The Senate confirmed four of President Barack Obama’s nominees for top military commands, according to a July 25 release. Marine Corps Gen. Joseph Dunford, who previously led US and coalition troops in Afghanistan, will succeed Gen. James Amos to be the next commandant of the Marine Corps. Amos has served in the top Marine since October 2010. Army Gen. John Campbell also was confirmed to replace Dunford as commander of International Security Assistance Force and US Forces in Afghanistan. Navy Adm. Bill Gortney, who currently serves as commander of US Fleet Forces Command, was confirmed to be commander of US Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command. And, Army Lt. Gen. Joseph Votel also was confirmed to receive his fourth star and to serve as commander of US Special Operations Command. Votel, who previously led Joint Special Operations Command, will replace Adm. William McRaven, who is slated to retire.
Members of Congress from both parties expressed frustration and dismay over the abrupt and still-unexplained firing last month of Air Force Gen. Timothy Haugh from his dual role as head of U.S. Cyber Command and director of the National Security Agency.