These generals could replace General Joseph Dunford as the next top Marine. Who would you choose?

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Tue, 05 May 2015 11:53:21 -0400

Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, the commandant of the Marine Corps, has been selected by President Obama to serve as the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. officials confirmed Monday. The move will make the veteran infantry officer, who has extensive experience in Iraq and Afghanistan, the second Marine officer ever to serve as the Pentagon’s top leader in uniform.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find Marines who do not admire Dunford. He’s seen as a pragmatist and a even-keeled leader, someone who is demanding but fair and deeply experienced in combat.

Read the full story here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2015/05/05/these-generals-could-replace-gen-joseph-dunford-as-the-next-top-marine/?hpid=z7

These generals could replace Gen. Joseph Dunford as the next top Marine

Gen. Joseph F. Dunford's promotion to chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff opens a big hole at the top in the Marines.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made May 5 at 2015 12:03 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 05 May 2015 12:03:47 -0400

Feels like he's only been in the position a few days...

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made May 5 at 2015 12:06 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Tue, 05 May 2015 12:06:15 -0400

I have heard nothing but great things about Gen Kelly.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made May 5 at 2015 1:48 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Tue, 05 May 2015 13:48:59 -0400

Of those listed I have only met and served under General Kelly. Another name I've heard mentioned is Lieutenant General Toolan who I have also met under whom I've also served.

The Corps is not a democracy, we don't vote in our leaders, they are appointed by the civilian CINC as they should be.

All of that said, I would happily follow General Kelly almost anywhere.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 3:29 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 May 2015 15:29:29 -0400

Interesting nomination after what I have read here and there. Only request that he advises to best of his ability and show the politicians that we are not war hungering servicemembers, just wanting to protect what is ours.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 12:33 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2015 12:33:16 -0400

I'll admit I'm biased since I worked on his staff for my final year on active duty, but I'd like to see General Bailey get the nod. Aside from being a great Marine, you'd be hard-pressed to run across a better human being in your lifetime. Extremely bright, thoughtful, engaging, humble...I could go on and on about him.

Response by LtCol Andrew Horne made May 7 at 2015 12:39 PM

LtCol Andrew Horne — Thu, 07 May 2015 12:39:34 -0400

I served with Lt.Gen. Bailey when he was a Company Commander in 1/6. Great Officer.

Response by Sgt Charles A Vroman Jr made May 7 at 2015 1:16 PM

Sgt Charles A Vroman Jr — Thu, 07 May 2015 13:16:54 -0400

Knowing General Kelly, I'd take him as Commandant in a heartbeat!

Response by LtCol Scott Duncan made May 7 at 2015 1:33 PM

LtCol Scott Duncan — Thu, 07 May 2015 13:33:17 -0400

This is an interesting question. As a retired Marine I can weigh-in and give my professional and personal opinion. All General Officers mentioned in the article have tremendous records of accomplishment, which make them uniquely qualified for leading the Corps. I have personally worked for Lt Gen Waldhauser as part of the 15th MEU (2002-2003). I was a Major at the time and Executive Officer (XO) for MEU Service Support Group -15.

There was something about Lt Gen Waldhauser from the very start that made me believe he could become a serious contender for this position down the road. He was always resolute and calm under significant pressure. He maintained a sense of humor and was pragmatic in his approach. I have always said, Lt Gen Waldhauser is a Marine I'd gladly follow anywhere - particularly into combat. He instills confidence and is a Leader who would carry on smartly in the foot steps of Gen Dunford.

Response by Cpl Andrew Tucker made May 7 at 2015 2:11 PM

Cpl Andrew Tucker — Thu, 07 May 2015 14:11:56 -0400

When I first saw this question, my immediate response was "Did Obama fire him already? Holy shit!" Lol.

Honestly, I couldn't say one way or the other about any of these gentlemen. I think Gen Kelly will probably get it as the tradition is that the outgoing CMC gives his recommendation to POTUS and he is A) most senior of this list, B) an outstanding combat leader and C) a close, personal friend of Gen Dunford. Of course, you don't get any where in the Flag ranks without knowing other flags. So honestly it's up in the air. Gen Dunford did tap SgtMaj Green as his SEA. A lot of people were shocked when he did that, calling it out of character for the man (not me, I served with SgtMajMC Green and would follow him through the ends of the earth and back). So the real question should be what's the bets he throws it around on a dart board choosing his recommendation to POTUS, Gunny.

Semper Fidelis.

Response by SSgt Robert Lusczek made May 7 at 2015 2:24 PM

SSgt Robert Lusczek — Thu, 07 May 2015 14:24:54 -0400

As the number 2 top leader, Gen J.M. Paxton brings continuity to the organization and to Gen Dunford's efforts and intentions. I served with him when he was the Bn Cmdr at 1/8, and to this day have never served with another commander that has been able to focus on the mission and still have a peripheral view of troop welfare, remains to be the finest commander I have ever served with.

Response by Capt Carlos Luna made May 7 at 2015 3:28 PM

Capt Carlos Luna — Thu, 07 May 2015 15:28:52 -0400

LtGen Robert Neller should definitely be on the short list.

Response by SSgt Joseph Feenstra made May 7 at 2015 3:28 PM

SSgt Joseph Feenstra — Thu, 07 May 2015 15:28:05 -0400

General Kelly, All the way!

Response by Col Anthony White made May 7 at 2015 3:59 PM

Col Anthony White — Thu, 07 May 2015 15:59:09 -0400

Bring back General (Chaos) Mattis! General Kelly would also be a GREAT Choice!

Response by Cpl Ron Ortiz made May 7 at 2015 5:11 PM

Cpl Ron Ortiz — Thu, 07 May 2015 17:11:41 -0400

Having served during a previous CMC Kelly, I would say General Kelly reads almost the same way, Forthright, loaded with Integrity I really could care less about his tact. I have always been supportive of a leader that has the heart of a lion. Today's Marines need a lion that that has the Corps best interests in mind and in heart. I pray for General Dunford having to deal with the current administration as well.

Response by SSgt Laurie Sayles made May 7 at 2015 9:57 PM

SSgt Laurie Sayles — Thu, 07 May 2015 21:57:44 -0400

Ooohhh Raahhh!

Response by SSgt Laurie Sayles made May 7 at 2015 9:59 PM

SSgt Laurie Sayles — Thu, 07 May 2015 21:59:33 -0400

Semper Fi!!!!!!!!!!!!!