General Pace is nominated to be a chairman

President Bush on Friday nominated Marine &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/cis/2002/08/10/34239.html ' target=_blank>Gen. Peter Pace, who has played a key role in shaping strategy in the war on terrorism, to serve as chairman of the U.S. military's Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Bush said Pace "knows the job well" having served as vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff since 2001. "This is a huge task, even in peace time," Bush added.

Once confirmed by the Senate, Pace, 59, would become the first Marine Corps officer to serve as chairman -- the highest ranking U.S. military officer and principal military adviser to the president and defense secretary.

As chairman, Pace will face daunting problems at the Pentagon as U.S. budget deficits clash with the rising cost of warships, fighter jets and other high-tech programs planned to replace aging &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/main/2001/05/19/5508.html ' target=_blank>Cold War weaponry, report Reuters.

General Pace, who has been vice chairman since late 2001, was recommended by Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs is the main military adviser to the president and the defense secretary. He does not have direct command over any forces. General Pace is a graduate of the Naval Academy. Born in Brooklyn and reared in Teaneck, N.J., he led a rifle platoon during the Vietnam War. He is known in the Pentagon as "Perfect Pete," for his good looks and military bearing.