Nomination Delays Spur Pentagon Personnel Crisis Only six appointees confirmed by Senate as threats from Russia and China grow Getty Images Jack Beyrer • July 21, 2021 4:45 pm SHARE More than two dozen vital leadership positions at the Pentagon remain without appointees from President Joe Biden, a historic delay that could threaten national security, according to experts. Biden has only pushed six senior Department of Defense nominees through the full confirmation process, leaving vacancies among military brass. He has yet to install secretaries of the Navy and Air Force more than six months into his administration. Some 20 nominees for senior positions await confirmation votes.