Dunford Named To Succeed Dempsey as Next JCS Chairman

President Obama has nominated Marine Corps Gen. Joseph Dunford to succeed Army Gen. Martin Dempsey as the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Obama also named Air Force Gen. Paul J. Selva to succeed outgoing JCS vice chairman Adm. James A. “Sandy” Winnefeld. Both Dempsey and Winnefeld are expected to retire later this year. Dunford, a Boston native, would move into the chairmanship from his current position as Marine Corps commandant. He also served as commander of U.S. and Coalition forces in Afghanistan. Selva is commander of U.S. Transportation Command. Obama announced the nominations May 5.