September 16, 2008

Alumnus takes over top post in Iraq

Raymond T. Odierno, right, holds a master's degree in nuclear engineering from NC State. (Photo: courtesy of U.S. Army by Staff Sgt. Christina M. O'Connell )

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

Petraeus left 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 4th 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 were confirmed by the U.S. Senate earlier this year.

- daniel -

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