Obama nominates Gen. Dempsey to second term as Joint Chiefs chairman

He’s been at the helm of the military as it’s prepared
to deal with cuts of $487 billion over the next decade as part of the Budget
Control Act, and another potential $500 billion reduction under sequestration.

{mosads}Dempsey took over as chairman of the Joint Chiefs near the
beginning of former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta’s 20-month tenure as
Pentagon chief.

Dempsey’s confirmation will likely be an opportunity for senators
critical of U.S. inaction in Syria to press Dempsey on his views of the
conflict. He has been cautious about U.S. military intervention and raised
questions about the usefulness of a no-fly zone, something lawmakers in both
parties have advocated.

Dempsey can also expect to face questions about sexual assault
in the military and his opposition to proposals that would remove the decision
to prosecute cases from the chain of command.

Still, there are few signs that Dempsey’s confirmation faces
any roadblocks — he was confirmed by voice vote in the Senate in 2011.

It’s not uncommon for Joint Chiefs chairmen to stay in their
position for more than a single two-year term. Dempsey’s predecessor Adm. Mike Mullen
also served for four years under both Presidents George W. Bush and Obama.