NPR: Gates to Replace Head of Joint Chiefs

Gates to Replace Head of Joint Chiefs

U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates says he will recommend Adm. Mike Mullen, currently the chief of naval operations, to replace Marine Gen. Peter Pace as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The Associated Press reports that Gates was originally going to recommend Pace for an additional two-year term but felt it would result in a "divisive Senate confirmation focusing on the Iraq War." Gates said he had talked with leaders of both parties and said the confirmation process for Pace would be about the past and not the future.

NPR reports that Mullen has served as naval chief of staff since 2005.

1:46 PM ET | 06- 8-2007 | permalink

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