The Senate recently confirmed two generals to become the next vice chief of staff and chief of staff of the Army.
The Senate confirmed Lt. Gen. Joseph Martin as vice chief May 23, the same day lawmakers confirmed Gen. James McConville, the current vice chief, to become the next chief of staff of the Army, according to a recent service news release.
Martin's confirmation includes a promotion to a fourth star, the release states.
McConville will replace Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley. President Donald Trump has nominated Milley to succeed Gen. Joseph Dunford as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
McConville took over as the Army's vice chief in June 2017. Since then, he has played a pivotal role in the service's modernization strategy to field a new family of combat vehicles and aircraft by 2028.
Martin, a 1986 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, said he will focus on readiness, modernization and people, which he has worked to advance as director of the Army staff, according to the release.
"Ensuring that our forces have the best training and equipment possible is our fundamental responsibility," he said in the release. "It is how we will to continue to attract the best and brightest into our ranks and preserve and defend the liberties and freedom of this great nation."
A combat veteran, Martin deployed to Iraq three times with the 1st Infantry Division and went on to command the Big Red One, the release states.
Among his awards and honors are the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal with "V" device, Army Commendation Medal with "V" device, Combat Action Badge and Parachutist Badge, according to the release.
McConville is a seasoned aviator, qualified to fly several aircraft, including the AH-64D Apache Longbow, OH-58 Kiowa Warrior and AH-1 Cobra. He commanded the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), where he also served as commander of Combined Joint Task Force-101 during Operation Enduring Freedom. He also commanded 4th Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, during Operation Iraqi Freedom, according to his published bio.
-- Matthew Cox can be released at matthew.cox@military.com.
