President Barack Obama is poised to appoint Lt. Gen. Robert “Bob” Neller as the Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC). If his appointment is confirmed by the Senate, Neller will become the highest- ranking officer of the U.S. Marine Corps. 

Neller has served in the Marines for 40 years. He is currently the commander of the Marine Corps Forces Command in Norfolk, Virginia and overseas East Coast and European Marine bases. His storied military career has included being the leader of 43,000 Marines in Iraq and participating in small Marine Corps operations.

Obama raised eyebrows when he passed over four-star generals Gen. John Kelly and Gen. John “Jay” Paxton for the nomination. Even so, Neller’s operational and administrative experience has earned him both the president’s approval and the support of the current CMC and Navy secretaries.

The date of Neller’s Senate confirmation hearing has yet to be scheduled.

(Photo Credit: Sgt. S. T. Stewart)