Staying On

President Obama will renominate Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. James Winnefeld to continue serving in their positions for second two-year terms, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel told reporters today.

"They're the right two leaders," Hagel said. "And the four months I've been here, they have been immensely helpful to me in every way. So I'm very proud of the president's announcement, and I'm very pleased that, with concurrence through the United States Senate, I will have the opportunity to work with these two distinguished leaders of our country for another two years, and I think America's very fortunate to have Gen. Dempsey and Adm. Winnefeld."

In a separate statement, Obama said he was proud to renominate the two "superb" senior officers. "These two distinguished military leaders have earned my trust and that of the American people," Obama said. "I am inspired by their dedicated service to our great nation and the example they set for our women and men in uniform. I urge the Senate to re-confirm these outstanding officers as swiftly as possible."