Obama Picks Marines Commandant to Head Joint Chiefs of Staff
WASHINGTON, May 4 (UPI) — U.S. President Barack Obama is expected to nominate Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Joseph Dunford as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, officials said Monday.
If confirmed, Dunford, 59, will replace Army Gen. Martin Dempsey to become the 19th chairman, senior defense officials told multiple news outlets. Dempsey is expected to retire in October when his second term expires.
Obama is also expected to nominate Air Force Gen. Paul Selva as the vice chairman. The official announcement is likely to take place Tuesday.
Dunford became commandant in October. Prior to that he led all U.S. and NATO forces inAfghanistan between February 2013 and August 2014. Should he be confirmed, he would be the most senior officer and adviser to the president.
U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said he supported the decision.
“I have come to greatly value General Dunford’s counsel and insight, and I particularly appreciate the concern he has for our men and women in uniform under his command,” he said.
