The current chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has 10 months left on his term, but President Trump over the weekend laid out an…
The current chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has 10 months left on his term, but President Trump over the weekend laid out an early succession plan and said he’ll tap Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley as the Pentagon ’s next top officer.
Gen. Milley, 60, was appointed to his current job by President Barack Obama in 2015. As Joint Chiefs chairman, he will replace Marine Corps Gen. Joseph Dunford, who has held the post since 2015.
Gen. Dunford ’s term lasts until Oct. 1,2019, and he’s given no indication he plans to step down before then. But Mr. Trump over the weekend hinted that the change could come sooner.
“I am pleased to announce my nomination of four-star General Mark Milley, Chief of Staff of the United States Army — as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, replacing General Joe Dunford, who will be retiring,” the president tweeted over the weekend. “I am thankful to both of these incredible men for their service to our Country!”
“Date of transition to be determined,” Mr. Trump concluded.
Pentagon officials over the weekend said they expect Gen. Dunford to serve out the remainder of his term.
