Dunford to head Joint Chiefs
July 30, 2015
Marine General Joseph Dunford Jr. was confirmed as the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the top officer in the US military. He will replace Army General Martin E. Dempsey on October 1, who is set to retire after a 41-year Army career.
Dunford is a widely respected commander who led the Afghanistan war coalition during a key transitional period during 2013-14.
The promotion cut short Dunford's service as the commandant of the US Marine Corps, a position he had begun in last October only. During his fast-tracked career, Dunford jumped from a one-star general to four stars in about three years' time.
Dunford, 59, is a Boston native who holds master's degrees in government from Georgetown University and in international relations from Tufts University's Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.
Uncommon views?
US President Barack Obama had praised Dunford as a leader when he nominated him for the post in May.
Dunford told senators during a confirmation hearing this month that Russia presents the greatest threat to US national security. A White House spokesman said Dunford's comments did not necessarily reflect the "consensus analysis of the president's national security team."
ss/sgb (AP, Reuters)