Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced yesterday during a news conference in the Pentagon that he is recommending to President Obama that Adm. Mike Mullen and Marine Corps Gen. James Cartwright stay on for another two year as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and vice chairman, respectively. Gates said he is also recommending that Adm. Robert Willard, commander of the Navy’s Pacific Fleet, become the leader of US Pacific Command, taking over from Adm. Timothy Keating, who has held the post since March 2007. And, Gates wants to install Adm. James Stavridis, currently commander of US Southern Command, as the next head of US European Command, succeeding Army Gen. Bantz Craddock. If confirmed by the Senate, Stavridis would be the first naval officer to hold the command in Europe. Chosen to replace Stavridis is Air Force Lt. Gen. Douglas Fraser, who is currently deputy commander of PACOM (see above). Gates said, if these general officers are confirmed for their new posts, they would take up their commands “over the next several months.” (AFPS report by Jim Garamone)
Pentagon Releases Cost of Living, BAH Rates for 2026
Dec. 30, 2025
The Pentagon will pay cost of living allowances to 127,000 service members in the continental U.S. in 2026, an increase of 66,000 members in 2025. Airmen and Guardians across the U.S. will also receive an average increase of 4.2 percent for their Basic Housing Allowance, compared to the 5.4 percent…
