CENTCOM Deputy Abizaid Nominated as Next Commander (replacing retireing Gen. Franks)

DefenseLink ^ | June 18, 2003 | American Forces Press Service

[FairOpinion]

WASHINGTON, June 18, 2003 – President Bush has nominated Army Lt. Gen. John Abizaid for a fourth star and the position of commander, U.S. Central Command, based at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.

Abizaid has served as CENTCOM deputy commander since February 2003. The command has the Middle East, Central Asia and the Horn of Africa as its area of operations.

Abizaid, who is fluent in Arabic, is of Lebanese extraction and is from Coleville, Calif.

The Senate must confirm Abizaid in the post before he can take command. If confirmed, he would succeed Army Gen. Tommy Franks, who announced he would like to retire later this summer. Abizaid will take over responsibility for operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., and was commissioned an infantry second lieutenant in June 1973. His first assignment was with the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C.

He was a rifle and scout platoon leader. From there, he commanded companies in the 75th Ranger Regiment, including company command in the 1983 Grenada operation.

During the first Gulf War in 1991, Abizaid commanded the 3rd Battalion, 325th Airborne Combat Team in Vicenza, Italy. The battalion deployed to Kurdistan in northern Iraq.

Later, he commanded the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division, and served as the assistant division commander, 1st Armored Division in Bosnia.

After his service there, he returned to his alma mater and was the 66th commandant at West Point. Most recently, he commanded 1st Infantry Division, the ""Big Red One,"" in Wurzburg, Germany.

His immediate assignment before becoming CENTCOM deputy commander was as director of the Joint Staff in the Pentagon.

Abizaid is a graduate of the Armed Forces Staff College and was a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University.

In his civilian studies, he earned a master of arts degree in area studies at Harvard University, and was an Olmsted Scholar at the University of Jordan in Amman, Jordan.

His decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, five awards of the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star. He earned the Combat Infantryman's Badge, Master Parachutist Badge with Gold Star, Ranger Tab and the Expert Infantryman's Badge.

(Based on a Department of Army biography.)

[FairOpinion]

This is not a surprise. Rumsfeld likes him, that's why he sent him to Iraq to be Frank's deputy. I think Abizaid played a larger role in the war in Iraq, than is publicly known.

I think Franks was allowed to go out as a hero, and now it's Abizaid's time, who is more in tune with Rumsfeld approach. Abizaid's knowledge of the Arab world also comes in handy in today's world.

[MJY1288]

From what I have read about Abizaid he is a first rate leader and a class act as well.

[Proud Legions]

Change-of-Command set for 7 July.

[Sonny M]

Does anyone else here, clearly see, that this guy, is here for long term reasons?

The war in iraq was not the begining of the end of the war on terrorism, it was the end of the begining.

[FairOpinion]

"The war in iraq was not the begining of the end of the war on terrorism, it was the end of the begining. "

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Absolutely right. Clearly Rumsfeld has a lot of faith in Abizaid.

[Proud Legions]

The job is for 2 years, but they often extend the CENTCOM Commander for a third year if he gets along well with the administration...which he surely will do if/when Pres Bush is reelected. He does only have 30 years in service...which is actually a couple of years earlier than most get this job. That means you could be right, and he could stay around easily for 5+ years. Whether they are all at CENTCOM, or if he is later pulled up to CJCS or some other job will likely depend on how he does in Tampa and the Middle East. Not sure that is an answer ot your question/remark, but I tried!

[HardStarboard]

I think the only time he was seen in action during the Iraq war was handling the CENTCOM briefing on TV the third or fourth day of the war. He was very impressive in handling the press - a straight shooter and no doubt about the fact that he said what he meant to say - kinda like Rummy!

[Proud Legions]

I spent a lot of time with GEN Franks, and some time with GEN Zinni, in the Middle East. They were both very well liked by the Arab leaders there. But Abizad's ability to speak the language will be an incredible plus...I can only imagine...though I feel sorry for the handlers traveling with him who have to take notes (3 and 4 star GOs don't usuually take their own notes). I hope their language skils are good also!

[Proud Legions]

skils=skills

[FairOpinion]

"only time he was seen"

Key point "seen".

My guess is that he was playing a major role in the Iraq war, may have been the one who directed the day to day operations.

From a few bits and pieces and news items, I gathered that Rumsfeld was not thrilled with Franks, because Franks was not flexible enough, that's why R. inserted Abizaid, even though Franks already had a deputy.

I think Abizaid played a major role in the background, Franks was allowed to retire in glory, and Abizaid promoted. Rumsfeld did another masterful rearrangement.