Adm. Michael Mullen now is Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, replacing Marine Corps Gen. Peter Pace who retired Oct. 1. During a ceremony at Ft. Myer, Va., Mullen vowed to give service members “clear direction, outstanding equipment, and focused policies.” Of Pace, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said he is “one of the last of a dwindling breed of officers,” those whose service has spanned four decades and “four eras” of US military history: the Vietnam War and the draft; the all-volunteer force and Desert Storm; the false tranquility following the Cold War; and the post 9/11 campaigns. Gates went on: “I value his candor, and I have come to trust his judgment in all matters.” Gates did not nominate Pace for a second term as Chairman for fear the confirmation process in a Democratic-controlled Senate would focus on the Iraq War so far rather than the future.
Lt. Gen. Dan Caine, nominee to be chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the Defense Department needs to upgrade its electronic warfare capability and its EW training ranges; just as his predecessor said at his own confirmation hearing.