Ryan McCarthy, a former Army Ranger and Afghanistan war veteran, has been confirmed to be the 24th Army secretary.

McCarthy, 46, was confirmed Sept. 26 by the Senate. He had been serving as the Army undersecretary when President Donald Trump nominated him to succeed Mark Esper, who stepped down as Army secretary in July to become the 27th secretary of defense.

During his Sept. 12 confirmation hearing, McCarthy told the Senate Armed Services Committee that he wasn’t planning any sweeping changes if confirmed. “Army leadership will continue to build upon the reform agenda we've established over the last 24 months,” he said. “Significant work remains to solidify the modernization enterprise and finish what we collectively started.”

McCarthy, who has served three times in the capacity of secretary during his 25 months as undersecretary of the Army, also said that troops deployed in combat operations will remain his primary focus.

He added that people are another priority, saying that the Army must ensure soldiers and their families “have the resources to thrive.” For him, that means quality and safe housing, reliable health care and access to childcare.

“Taking care of the force leads to a better quality of life, retention of world-class soldiers and, ultimately, improved readiness,” he said.

Retired Gen. Carter Ham, president and CEO of the Association of the U.S. Army, praised McCarthy's confirmation.

"It's great news for the Army that the Senate confirmed Ryan McCarthy to serve as secretary of the Army," Ham said. "He’s battle-tested, has experience in business and at the Pentagon, but mostly, he loves soldiers and he loves America’s Army.  If ever we had the right secretary at the right time, it’s Ryan McCarthy."