FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Maryland -- President Barack Obama has chosen Gen. Joseph Dunford Jr. to serve as the 36th commandant of the Marine Corps, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced today. The decision is pending senate confirmation.
Dunford is currently serving as the commander of the International Security Assistance Force and United States Forces-Afghanistan.
Dunford will relieve Gen. James F. Amos this fall, who will retire following his relief and appointment ceremony after 43 years of service.
“He is one of the most knowledgeable and talented leaders and thinkers in the military today,” Amos said. “He has commanded and excelled at every level. His tenure as commander of International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces - Afghanistan over the past 18 months has been extraordinary, and is testament to the full measure of the man. Our country and our Marine Corps will benefit greatly from his continued service.”
Since his commissioning in 1977, Dunford has served in multiple prestigious assignments including the Director of the Operations Division for Plans, Policies and Operations; Commanding General of I Marine Expeditionary Force and the Commander of Marine Forces Central Command; and assistant commandant of the Marine Corps. He also served in three combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.
His awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Legion of Merit with valor device, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with three award stars, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal and the NATO Medal.