General Petraeus to Assume CENTCOM Command

Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced today plans to nominate Army General David Petraeus to take over the U.S. military’s Central Command, placing him in command of both the Iraq and Afghanistan theaters. If confirmed by the Senate, General Petraeus will replace Adm. William Fallon, who stepped down in March amid rumors of disagreement with the Bush administration’s posture toward Iran. Taking over the reins of Coalition forces in Iraq will be Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno, who is credited with adapting the Petraeus doctrine into successful operational detail.