Joint Chiefs chairman exits; Marine step in

WASHINGTON — Gen. Martin Dempsey stepped down as the military’s top officer Friday after four years of war, budget cuts and the strains of combat on a battle-worn force.

He turned over his responsibilities to Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford, who is taking over at a crucial point as tensions surge with Russia; U.S. troops wage war against militants in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan; and the effort to train and equip Syrian rebels struggles to find a footing.

The transfer of responsibility took place during an afternoon of marching bands, Irish songs, speeches and military pomp Friday, under cloudy skies at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., with President Barack Obama and other senior defense leaders and military commanders in the audience.

Dempsey took over as Obama’s top military adviser in September 2011 as the war in Afghanistan was beginning to wind down and the last U.S. troops were coming out of Iraq.

Dempsey also worked with the military services to combat the effects of years at war on U.S. forces, which have seen suicides and sexual assaults spike, while veterans struggle to find jobs and get the medical care they need.

Obama praised Dempsey as a leader who was committed to ensuring the military became a more versatile and responsive force.

“I chose him because he had the steady hand we needed in this moment of transition — as we tackle emerging threats and support so many of our troops as they transition to civilian life,” Obama said.

“But perhaps most of all, I chose Marty because he’s a leader you can trust. Marty, you’ve always given it to me straight. I can’t tell you how much I’ve appreciated your candor and your counsel.”