Cartwright to CSIS

Former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. James Cartwright is joining the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Cartwright will be the first to serve in CSIS' new Harold Brown Chair in Defense Policy Studies. He served as vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs for nearly four years, leaving the post last month. He previously headed U.S. Strategic Command.

"America will be forever indebted to Gen. Cartwright for his many years of distinguished service," said CSIS President and CEO John Hamre in a statement. "His thoughtful leadership, keen intellect, and his commitment to making the world a better place are of great value to CSIS."

CSIS Counselor and Trustee Brown, who is the namesake of Cartwright's post, said in the statement that the general was the best pick to serve as the first defense policy studies chair.

"As the United States faces changing and increasing political, economic and security challenges, it is crucial that our nation's most experienced and capable leaders remain active in the public process of U.S. policymaking," Brown said. "Gen. Cartwright has always put America's security first and I am delighted that he will continue to help shape policies and influence decisions to make us all safer and more secure."

Cartwright is slated to begin his new job in October.