Joseph Dunford

A RISING STAR viewed as a potential chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dunford will soon take over as America’s top war general, commanding operations in Afghanistan, the second consecutive Marine to fill that post. As assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, Dunford played a critical role in a range of initiatives, including an ongoing effort to overhaul infantry training and new policies aimed at curbing alcohol abuse, hazing, suicide and other behavioral issues. He has served in the position since October 2010. As commander in Afghanistan, Dunford will be the point man for managing the planned U.S. withdrawal of most combat troops by the end of 2014, and for turning over primary responsibility for security operations to Afghan forces. As a colonel, Dunford earned a reputation as “Fighting Joe” during the 2003 invasion of Iraq while commanding the 5th Marine Regimental Combat Team. He went on to spend 22 months in Iraq in various roles. His career really took off in December 2007 when he was nominated for his second star; just three months later he was nominated for a third star. Within two years he had a fourth star and was the Corps’ No. 2 general. His coming assignment in Afghanistan will be his first in that theater.