WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama nominated Marine General Joseph Dunford as chairman of the joint chiefs Tuesday, choosing an officer with battlefield experience in Iraq and Afghanistan for the military's top job.
Describing Dunford as "one of the most admired officers in our military," Obama hailed the Boston native as a top-notch strategic thinker.
"I know Joe. I trust him," Obama said in a White House Rose Garden announcement ceremony.
"He's already proven his ability to give me his unvarnished military advice based on his experience on the ground."
If confirmed by the Senate, Dunford will be drawing on his years fighting insurgents over the past decade when he advises Obama on the US-led war against the Islamic State group.
Obama lauded Dunford's work in Afghanistan in particular.
"Under his steady hand, we've achieved key milestones, including the transition to Afghan responsibility for security, historic Afghan elections, and the drawdown of US forces, setting the stage for our combat mission there."
Dunford, 59, currently the commandant of the US Marine Corps, would replace General Martin Dempsey, an army officer who will retire after he finishes his second term as chairman in October.
The next chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff will have to contend with a resurgent Russia, China's growing military might and looming automatic budget cuts that could create headaches for the military.
The chairman of the joint chiefs does not have troops or weapons at his command but he acts as the top military adviser to the president and the defense secretary.
The job often carries hefty influence on matters of war and peace, and the chairman also is seen as the public face of the armed forces.
Obama also nominated Air Force General Paul Selva to be next the vice chairman of the joint chiefs. The current vice chairman, Admiral James Winnefeld, is due to retire.
Selva is head of the military's transportation command and had served as the lead Air Force strategist.
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