subjects, i believe it is right for me to step down from my position. the end date for my tenure is february 28, 2019, a date that should allow sufficient time for a successor to be nominated and confirmed as well as to make sure the department's interests are properly articulated and protected at upcoming events to include congressional posture hearings and the nato defense ministerial meeting in february. further, that a full transition to a new defense secretary of defense occurs well in advance of the transition of chairman of the joint chiefs of staff in september in order to ensure stability within the department. i pledge my full effort to a smooth transition that ensures the needs and interests of the 2.15 million service members and 732,079 department of defense civilians receive undistracted attention of the department at all times so they can fulfill