Military

            Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld today announced that secretary of the Air Force James Roche has requested that his nomination for secretary of the Army be withdrawn.

            The President nominated Roche as secretary of the Army on July 7, 2003.  The Senate Armed Services Committee has yet to report on the nomination to the full Senate for a vote.

            "Given the range of issues before the Senate in a busy legislative year, I accept that my nomination is unlikely to be considered this year," Said Roche.  "In the interest of the Department of Defense, I decided it was best that I withdraw from further consideration. "

            "I intend to apply myself to the full range of important matters facing the Air Force, including leading the fine Airmen who are serving our country so proudly" continued Roche.

            Rumsfeld, acknowledging Roche's decision, said:  "Jim Roche has served ably as secretary of the Air Force, and would have been a first-rate secretary of the Army.  I look forward to continuing to work with him."