April 25, 2008

Alumnus Chosen for Top Post in Iraq

Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, an NC State engineering alumnus, has been nominated to succeed Gen. David Petraeus as the top U.S. military commander in Iraq. Odierno, who received his master’s degree in nuclear effects engineering from NC State in 1986, had previously been the No. 2 commander in Iraq.

Petraeus is leaving the position after being promoted by President Bush to lead U.S. Central Command, which oversees the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Odierno received his bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1976. He also has a master’s degree from the Naval War College and is a graduate of the Army War College.

Odierno has served in various roles during his long military career. They include commanding the 4^th Infantry Division, the unit that in 2003 captured former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, and serving at the Pentagon as the assistant to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2004 to 2006.

The nominations of Odierno and Petraeus must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate to take effect.

-daniel-

/ News Index / News Archives Index /