WASHINGTON – The Obama administration's nominee to be the Army's top civilian official says he doesn't support demoting retired Gen. David Petraeus.
Eric Fanning told the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday that he thought no further action should be taken against the retired four-star general and former CIA director.
Petraeus resigned in November 2012 after an extramarital affair with his biographer. He later pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor charge of mishandling classified information.
Fanning responded to a senator's question about media reports indicating the Pentagon is considering downgrading Petraeus from a four-star to a three-star general. If taken, the move would reduce his retirement salary.
The committee's leaders, Republican Sen. John McCain and Democratic Sen. Jack Reed, have urged Defense Secretary Ash Carter not to demote Petraeus.
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