Trump nominates Gen. Milley for Joint Chiefs chairman

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON

U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday announced his choice to head the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Mark Milley.

Trump announced on Twitter that the four-star general, who currently serves as army chief of staff, would replace Marine Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, who is set to retire next October.

"I am thankful to both of these incredible men for their service to our Country! Date of transition to be determined," wrote Trump.

The Joint Chiefs chairman is subject to Senate confirmation.

Dunford was named to the post by then-President Barack Obama in 2015. Trump nominated him for a second two-year term in 2017.

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is the nation’s highest-ranking military officer and serves as the principal military advisor to the president, defense secretary, and National Security Council.