Trump to nominate Gen. Milley as next chairman of Joint Chiefs
US President Donald Trump has announced that he would nominate a battle-hardened commander who led American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, General Mark Milley, to be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
If confirmed by the Senate, the four-star general, who is currently the Army Chief of Staff, will succeed current Marine General Joseph Dunford later next year.
"I am pleased to announce my nomination of four-star General Mark Milley, Chief of Staff of the United States Army – as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, replacing General Joe Dunford, who will be retiring," Trump tweeted Saturday morning.
I am pleased to announce my nomination of four-star General Mark Milley, Chief of Staff of the United States Army – as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, replacing General Joe Dunford, who will be retiring....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 8, 2018
"I am thankful to both of these incredible men for their service to our Country! Date of transition to be determined," he added.
....I am thankful to both of these incredible men for their service to our Country! Date of transition to be determined.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 8, 2018
Former US President Barack Obama nominated Dunford and current Vice Chairman General Paul Selva in 2015, and Trump last year extended their terms.
Trump said the date of transition is still to be determined.
Trump's announcement comes months earlier than expected. Dunford, who took on the role in 2015, was scheduled to remain as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff until October 1, 2019.
A spokesman for the Joint Chiefs of Staff said that Dunford might still complete his term.
Milley has served three tours in Afghanistan for the so-called US Global War on Terrorism and served as deputy commanding general of US forces in the country. He also headed US military missions in Iraq, Panama, Haiti, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Somalia, among other countries.
Pentagon spokesman Lt. Col. Mike Andrews said, "We are aware of the President's nomination and share his confidence" in Milley to be the Joint Chiefs chairman.
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