US President Barack Obama nominates new chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama will nominate Gen Joseph Dunford, who oversaw the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan last year, as the new chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff -- the highest position in the US armed forces.

"My choice for the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General Joe Dunford, is one of the most admired officers in our military," Obama said.

The nominations of Dunford, 59, currently the commandant of the US Marine Corps, would now require a confirmation from the Senate.

Obama also nominated General Paul Selva as the next Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

During the announcement in the Rose Garden at the White House, Obama was accompanied by Vice President Joe Biden, Defence Secretary Ashton Carter and National Security Adviser Susan Rice, along with Dunford and Selva.

The outgoing Chairman Gen Martin Dempsey was also present. "I trust him (Dunford). He's already proven his ability to give me his unvarnished military advice based on his experience on the ground.

"Under his steady hand, we've achieved key milestones, including the transition to Afghan responsibility for security, historic Afghan elections, and the drawdown of US forces, setting the stage for our combat mission there," Obama said.

Obama said Dunford is a proven leader of our joint force, including US troops in Afghanistan who he served Christmas dinner too.

"He's one of our military's most highly-regarded strategic thinkers. He's known and respected by our allies, by members of Congress on both sides of the aisle, and by colleagues across our government," said the US President.

"They're exemplary leaders," Carter said in a statement soon thereafter.

Gen Dempsey said: "I've known General Dunford for almost half of his 39 years of service. He is a phenomenal, combat-tested leader and a man of integrity, courage, and humility."

Congratulating the two leaders on their nominations, Senator John McCain said General Dunford's exemplary service in Iraq and Afghanistan makes him a strong choice as we confront threats to stability and peace in both countries and throughout the region.