White House Reveals New Military Chief

President Barack Obama on Tuesday nominated Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford as the new chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.



Describing Dunford as "one of the most admired officers in our military" at a White House ceremony, Obama added:  "I know Joe, I trust him."



Dunford's selection was backed by Sen. John McCain, chairman of the Armed Services Committee and a senior Republican figure. "I'm very, extremely enthusiastic about his selection," McCain said. "He's a combat veteran. He's a warrior."



Dunford, whose nomination is still to be confirmed by the Senate, will replace Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman since 2011.



The current commandant of the Marine Corps, Dunford, 59, was the senior commander in Afghanistan during 2013 and 2014 as the U.S. pulled troops back.



According to the Military Times, Dunford began his career as an infantry officer and has commanded at all levels. He served nearly two years in Iraq, including the 2003 invasion, when he earned the nickname "Fighting Joe."



Air Force Gen. Paul Selva was nominated as Dunford's vice chairman.



In a statement, Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter said: "I look forward to their sound counsel and to working with them to protect the country and meet the needs of the finest fighting force the world has ever known." - Washington DC