WASHINGTON, DC — Today, after it was announced that President Obama will nominate Marine General Joseph F. Dunford Jr. as the next Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee, praised the decision, stating:

“General Dunford is a superb choice to lead the Joint Chiefs of Staff and I strongly support his nomination.

“General Dunford has the experience and vision to lead the Joint Chiefs and help shape our national security strategy at a time of enormous global challenges.

“I have come to greatly value General Dunford's counsel and insight, and I particularly appreciate the concern he has for our men and women in uniform under his command.

“I have the utmost confidence that General Dunford will serve with distinction as the next Chairman and I look forward to working with Chairman McCain to ensure his nomination receives timely and careful consideration.”

General Dunford is currently the Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps and previously served as top commander in Afghanistan from 2013 to 2014.‎

If confirmed by the full U.S. Senate to be the next Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff he will be the senior-ranking member of the armed services and the top military adviser to the president, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, and the National Security Council. ‎

Dunford, 59, is a Boston area native and holds a master's degree in government from Georgetown University and another master’s in international relations from Tufts University’s Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.  He served as an infantry officer and commanded the 5th Marine Regiment during the Iraq war.

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