WASHINGTON, DC (June 23, 2026) |
The Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) has provided Senate Armed Services Committee leaders with official comments ahead of the confirmation hearing for Jules W. Hurst III, nominee to serve as Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) and Chief Financial Officer.
In its letter, DCUC encouraged the Committee leaders to examine how the Department of War can further strengthen military financial readiness, noting that financial stress can impact mission effectiveness, force resilience, recruitment, retention, security clearances, and family stability.
DCUC also prompted lawmakers to ask Mr. Hurst a series of questions on his approach to:
- incorporating financial readiness into Department-wide planning;
- improving partnerships with credit unions serving military communities;
- preserving consumer choice through the Department's longstanding on-base financial institution policy;
- strengthening access to financial services at overseas and remote installations;
- supporting military families facing financial challenges; and,
- improving coordination during government shutdowns and other periods of financial uncertainty.
“We appreciate the Committee’s continued leadership in supporting servicemembers, families, veterans, and Department of War contractors,” says Anthony Hernandez, DCUC President/CEO, Ret. U.S. Air Force Colonel. “We encourage the Committee to also explore how Mr. Hurst and the Department can further strengthen military financial readiness and deepen collaboration with the more than 200 defense credit unions serving military communities around the world.”
"[Defense credit unions] serve military installations across the globe, support servicemembers through deployments and permanent changes of station, assist military families during
emergencies and government shutdowns, and provide affordable financial services that directly contribute to force readiness and resilience,” wrote Jason Stverak, DCUC Chief Advocacy Officer. “Financial stress can negatively impact mission focus, security clearances, retention, recruitment, family stability, and overall force effectiveness. As the Department continues to address quality-of-life concerns for servicemembers and their families, financial wellness must remain a central component of readiness planning."