New Army Chief

Army Forces Command chief Gen. Mark Milley is in line to become the service's next chief of staff, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter announced today.

Gen. Raymond Odierno, whose term as the top Army general expires later this summer, praised the selection in a statement, describing Milley as a "phenomenal leader."

If confirmed by the Senate, Milley will take a helm at a critical time, as the Army, along with the rest of the military, could face spending cuts. In addition, he would have to deal with the fallout from the congressionally mandated Commission on the Future of the Army, which will deliver its recommendations to lawmakers and the White House early next year.