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The Defense Department Bids Farewell to the 18th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Gen. Martin E. Dempsey

As the top U.S. military officer from Sept. 30, 2011, to Sept. 25, 2015, Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey advised the nation's leaders on wartime and postwar missions in Afghanistan and Iraq, reaffirmed U.S. ties to allies and partners around the globe and provided counsel and perspective on the strategy to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. On the homefront, Dempsey focused on military families, veterans and service members returning from war overseas.

"I am thankful for the opportunity to defend our nation alongside the men and women who wear its cloth ... My purpose is to be worthy of their service -- every day and in every decision ... to strengthen the relationship of trust that the American armed forces has with the American people ... to meet our sacred obligation to keep our nation immune from coercion."

Profile photo of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Martin Dempsey

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey
Opening Statement for Renomination as Chairman
July 18, 2013

Reflections of the 18th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Chairman Reflects on Use of Military Force

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Chairman Reflects on Instability in the Middle East

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Chairman Reflects on Budget Uncertainty

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Chairman Reflects on the Profession

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Travel Facts

Dempsey Travel Facts Infographic: Here's what we have on travel: GEN Dempsey visited 36 countries and travelled approximately 650,673 nautical miles (748,274 miles) during his tenure.

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President Praises Retiring Dempsey, Incoming Chairman Dunford

In an armed forces full-honors retirement ceremony, Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey closed out 41 years of service, and Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr. succeeded him as the highest ranking U.S. military officer. Story