Obama names Marine commandant to head Joint Chiefs

President Obama this week nominated Marine Commandant Gen. Joseph Dunford as the next  chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Dunford, who has occupied the top spot at the Marine Corps since October 2014, previously served as commander of International Security Assistance Force and United States Forces-Afghanistan from February 2013 to August 2014.

Obama called Dunford "one of the most admired officers in our military."

"He’s commanded Marines in the field, from the platoon level to a Marine Expeditionary Force," Obama said. "During the invasion of Iraq, he led Marines in the charge to Baghdad. Given his combat experience, I was proud to nominate Joe as the commander of American and Coalition Forces in Afghanistan."

"I know Joe," Obama said. "I trust him. He’s already proven his ability to give me his unvarnished military advice based on his experience on the ground."

Obama also named Air Force Gen. Paul Selva to serve as vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs. Selva is commander of the U.S. Transportation Command at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, which manages global air, land and sea transportation for the Defense Department. Selva also served as military advisor to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

"He understands that our military, as powerful as it is, is one tool that must be used in concert with all the elements of our national power," Obama said of Selva.

Defense Secretary Ash Carter applauded the choices.

"They're exemplary leaders," Carter said. "And they both have the strategic perspective—and operational experience— to help guide our military and advise the president at a time of much change in the world."