Secretary of Defense William J. Perry announced on April, 18, 1996, that the President has nominated Lt. Gen. Wesley K. Clark, U.S. Army, for appointment to the grade of general and assignment as Commander in Chief, United States Southern Command, Quarry Heights, Panama. Since April 1994, Clark has served as the Director for Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate (J-5), The Joint Staff, Washington, D.C.