Marine Corps Gen. Joseph Dunford, commander of both U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan, has been nominated to serve as commandant of the Marine Corps — the top uniformed position in the service branch.
The Defense Department announced the move in a Thursday notice and said he would become the 36th man in history to hold the post if confirmed.
Dunford, a 37-year military veteran, took command of U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan in February 2013 after nearly two years of service as assistant commandant of the Marine Corps.
He completed his assistant commandant tenure in December 2012 and then served as special assistant to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff prior to his leadership role in Afghanistan.
Dunford is also a former commander of Marine Forces U.S. Central Command and has also led the I Marine Expeditionary Force.
