Article Posted on : - Jan 07, 2011

General Martin E Dempsey.

WASHINGTON (PTI): US Defence Secretary Robert Gates has recommended Gen Martin E Dempsey, who has also served during the war in Iraq, to be nominated as the next Army Chief of Staff to replace Gen George W Casey Jr, who is set to retire after 40 years of service.

"I am recommending to the President the nomination of General Martin Dempsey to be the new Army chief of staff, replacing General George Casey," Gates told reporters at a Pentagon news conference.

General Dempsey is presently the commander of Army Training and Doctrine Command, and previously was acting commander of the US Central Command.

He also led the multinational training effort in Iraq, and commanded the 1st Armored Division in Baghdad.

If nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, Dempsey would succeed Gen Casey, who has served as Army chief of staff since April 2007 and will retire after more than 40 years of service.