Gen Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will not be re-nominated in September. There has been much debate as to whether or not this reappointment would cause more division. Many in Congress felt that Gates represents some of the failures in the current war in Iraq.
But Gates said some members of Congress warned him that — despite their respect for Pace –the focus of any renomination hearing for the general would be on the past, rather than the future, and would be “a very contentious process.”
“I am disappointed that circumstances make this kind of a decision necessary. I just think a divisive ordeal at this point is not in the interest of the country or the men and women in uniform or of the individuals,” Gates told reporters. “But I think it’s a realistic appraisal of where we are.”
Defense Secretary Robert Gates backs Adm Michael Mullen
Mullen has been chief of naval operations since July 2005. Before then, he was commander of the NATO Joint Force Command Naples and commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe, according to the Navy’s Web site.
Gates described him as “a very smart, strategic thinker” who understands the needs of all branches of the military.
Pace is expected to remain on board till September when his term expires.
Leave a Reply