Preventing harmful behaviors among soldiers, particularly sexual assault and harassment, is one of the most “significant challenges” Army leaders must tackle, said Gabe Camarillo, the nominee to be the next Army undersecretary.

Camarillo, an attorney who has served in various positions in DoD, said that if he’s confirmed for the job, “my highest priorities will be to provide even greater emphasis” on those efforts. This includes building a command climate founded on mutual respect and dignity, he said.

Testifying Oct. 5 before the Senate Armed Services Committee, which is considering his nomination, Camarillo said another “significant” challenge facing the Army is finding a balance between current readiness and investing in the future through the service’s modernization programs.

“Given the landscape of evolving threats, rapidly proliferating technology and global competition, the Army has undertaken a significant campaign to modernize its warfighting capabilities,” Camarillo said. “These efforts are designed to address key capability gaps and ensure that the Army is prepared to respond to joint requirements in multi-domain operations. If confirmed, I would work with Army leaders to ensure that the Army manages its investments to address these challenges.”

If confirmed by the Senate, Camarillo would be the 35th Army undersecretary, succeeding James McPherson. Christopher Lowman is currently the senior official performing the duties of the Army undersecretary, filling the job since January.

Over a career in government and private practice, Camarillo has spent several years in DoD. From 2012 to 2015, he was the principal deputy assistant Army secretary for acquisition, logistics and technology, where he helped lead the Army’s research and development and modernization portfolio, according to the White House when announcing his nomination. Before that, from 2010 to 2012, he was the special assistant to the assistant Army secretary for acquisition, logistics and technology.

In 2015, he was appointed as the assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs, overseeing all related matters affecting more than 670,000 military and civilian personnel.

Growing up in El Paso, Texas, home to Fort Bliss, Camarillo said he “witnessed the vitally important role our Army plays in the nation’s defense. … I also learned the importance of Army installations to our communities, who support the talented soldiers and civilians that make the Army so effective at its missions.”

He’s also seen how the Army is frequently asked to meet a wide range of urgent missions, from combat operations to disaster relief to COVID-19 response, Camarillo said.

“At every turn, the Army has met these challenges with a characteristic can-do approach that fosters success and has earned the confidence and trust of the American people,” he said. “It’s an incredible honor to be considered to help lead such a vital institution.”