The Senate voted Tuesday to confirm Gen. Martin Dempsey as the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Dempsey, currently the Army’s chief of staff, will succeed current chairman Adm. Mike Mullen. Mullen is retiring when his term ends Sept. 30.
Army Times reports the Senate also confirmed Navy Adm. James Winnefeld as the next vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs.
“I am thrilled these two great Americans will soon join me in leading the finest military in the world,†Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said in a statement. “I know that both the president and I will greatly benefit from their candid advice and counsel as we confront the many security challenges facing our country.â€
