Who holds the position of Secretary of Defense?

The Secretary of Defense is a critical role in the United States government responsible for formulating military policies and overseeing the Department of Defense. Ashton B. Carter served as the Secretary of Defense from February 2015 to January 2017. In this position, he played a significant role in various defense-related initiatives and strategic decisions during a crucial time in U.S. military history, which included the operations against the Islamic State and addressing issues of military readiness and modernization.

The other individuals listed are not serving or did not serve in this specific role at the same time. For instance, John McHugh served as the Secretary of the Army, while General David Perkins held various leadership roles within the Army, including command positions. Colonel Matthew J. Ingram is not known for holding a prominent position at the Secretary level. Understanding the role and historical context of these individuals highlights the significance of the Secretary of Defense and the impact that Ashton B. Carter had during his tenure.