Gen. Mark Milley nominated as next head of Joint Chiefs

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he would nominate four-star Army Gen. Mark Milley to be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Trump said on Twitter that Milley, currently Army chief of staff, would take over as the top US military commander from Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford at a date to be determined.

“I am thankful to both these incredible men for their service to our country,” Trump said on Twitter.

Milley would have to be confirmed to the top military post by the Senate.

Trump’s announcement comes months earlier than expected. Dunford would normally remain as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff until a scheduled October 1, 2019, handover.

A spokesman for the Joint Chiefs of Staff said indications were that Dunford would complete his term, but he referred questions on the matter to the White House.

“Gen. Dunford congratulates Gen. Milley on his selection as the nominee to be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He has served with Gen. Milley in peacetime and in combat, and has the highest regard for his leadership,” said Col. Patrick Ryder.

A spokesman for Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, Lt.-Col. Mike Andrews, said, “We are aware of the president’s nomination and share his confidence” in Milley.