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Trump Says He Will Nominate New Top Military Adviser

Posted at 9:32 AM, Dec 08, 2018
and last updated 2018-12-08 09:43:16-05
AP FILE: Gen. Mark A. Milley, Chile of Staff of the Army, speaks during an activation ceremony for the U.S. Army futures Command, Friday, Aug. 24, 2018, in Austin, Texas. The headquarters will be located at the University of Texas Systems Building in Austin. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he’s tapping Gen. Mark Milley as his next top military adviser.

Milley is a battle-hardened commander who has served as chief of the Army for the last three years. If confirmed by the Senate, Milley would succeed Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Trump tweeted the announcement Saturday, thanking “both of these incredible men for their service to our country!” He said the date of transition is being determined.

Dunford is a former commandant of the Marine Corps and commander of coalition troops in Afghanistan. His term as Joint Chiefs chairman ends Oct. 1.

Milley commanded troops during several tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and has served as the Army’s top officer since August 2015.