WASHINGTON (AP) — The senior U.S. general in Iraq since 2008, Gen. Ray Odierno, will be succeeded by a leading Pentagon general at the end of the summer, military officials said Monday.
His replacement is Lt. Gen. Lloyd Austin, the staff director for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the officials said.
Military officials spoke about the change on condition of anonymity because the announcement has not been made.
Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrel said Defense Secretary Robert Gates has not yet made a recommendation to the White House for Odierno’s successor.
Odierno took over command in Iraq from Gen. David Petraeus. He has served in various senior Army positions in Iraq since 2006.
Odierno plans to remain in Iraq through the drawdown of U.S. combat forces by September. Odierno then takes over Joint Forces Command, which trains forces from all branches of the military to work together.
Odierno’s son, Lt. Anthony Odierno, lost an arm while leading a patrol in Iraq in 2004.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.