On Wednesday, April 23, Robert Gates, the United States Secretary of Defense has said that Army General David Petraeus will be chosen to become the chief of United States Central Command. However, the position will be subjected towards confirmation by the United States Senate.
The search for a candidate to fill that position comes after the announcement that Navy Admiral William Fallon that he was resigning. Fallon announced his resignation back in March. The reason for the resignation as explained by Fallon was that his job was impossible to do.
Also, Gates said that if Petraeus is confirmed to fill the post soon to be vacated by Fallon, Army Lieutenant General Ray Odierno will replace Petraeus as the top United States Commander in Iraq. Currently, Odierno’s serves as the commander o the Multinational Corps in Iraq. That is the number two position next to the top U.S. commander in Iraq. Then, there would be the question on who would fill Odierno’s post should he replace Petraeus, should Petraeus be confirmed to take Fallon’s post.
Should Petraeus be confirmed by the Senate, he will oversee both Iraq and Afghanistan. Previously, he was grilled by the presidential candidates on Iraq. However, while chosen by Robert Gates, David Petraeus is still subject towards Senate confirmation and approval.
But, Gates said that he is confident that Petraeus will be confirmed to be the new chief of United States Central Command.