Gen. Raymond T. Odierno has overseen the U.S. Joint Forces Command as it transitions out of existence — part of Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates‘ far-reaching efficiencies initiatives — and will now transition to a new role, himself.
President Barack Obama announced this week he will nominate Odierno to be the Army’s next chief of staff, following the announcement that current chief of staff Gen. Martin Dempsey will be nominated to be chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
“I’m announcing my choice for their successors today because it’s essential that this transition be seamless and that we stay focused on the urgent national security challenges before us,” Obama said at a Memorial Day Rose Garden ceremony, according to an Army news release.
Odierno is also known for another high-profile transition — from the Iraq War troop surge in 2008 to stability and the drawing down of combat operations beginning last fall.
“After years on the front lines, Ray understands what the Army must do — to prevail in today’s wars, to prepare for the future, and to preserve the readiness of the soldiers and families who are the strength of America’s families,” Obama said.
