What was President Trump thinking when he announced his pick to be the next Joint Chiefs chairman, while the current chairman has nearly a year left on his term?
If the Pentagon knows, it’s not saying.
On Saturday, Trump announced his intention to elevate the Army chief of staff Gen. Mark Milley to succeed Gen. Joseph Dunford, who is due to retire next September.
The early announcement raised speculation that Dunford may be asked to step down early, but a Pentagon spokesman denied any knowledge of such a plan.
“At this point all indications are that General Dunford will serve his full term,” said Col. Rob Manning in a briefing with reporters. “I’d have to refer you to the White House for any further questions about that nomination.”
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis was described as “fully involved throughout the nomination process,” and Manning said the Pentagon “shares the president’s confidence in Gen. Milley as “a decorated and respected leader.”
Manning said that “out of respect for the nomination and confirmation process,” the Pentagon would have nothing further to say.
If Manning is correct, Dunford, who has served in the position since September 2015, will step down in September 2019.
Air Force Gen. Paul Selva, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is expected to retire before Dunford in July.
No replacement for him has been named.
