Christine Wormuth received bipartisan praise at her Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing Thursday.

She said if confirmed as the first woman Army secretary, she will continue the “ambitious” modernization efforts the service has taken on in recent years.

“Fundamental to the Army’s readiness is its people – Army soldiers, whether active, Guard or reserve, their families, Army civilians and our Army veterans,” Wormuth said in opening remarks. “To ensure our soldiers and civilians have the best quality of life possible, I will strive to continue improving our Army housing, healthcare, childcare and spouse employment opportunities.”

Wormuth, who was Pentagon policy chief during the Obama administration, said she is concerned about the strain on the National Guard.

DOD photo by Lt. Kristine Volk