He would take over the post left open by the departure of Gen. David Petraeus , who was asked to take over command of the war in Afghanistan . Gen. James Mattis recommended as next Central Command leader . He is known for his leadership in the 2004 battle of Falluja . His blunt talk has gotten him in trouble . Defense secretary : Trump's pick to be defense secretary, retired Marine Corps General Jim Mattis, was a top commander during the Iraq war, and he opposes U.S. intervention abroad.
Gen. James Mattis recommended as next Central Command leader . He is known for his leadership in the 2004 battle of Falluja . His blunt talk has gotten him in trouble . Defense secretary : Trump's pick to be defense secretary, retired Marine Corps General Jim Mattis, was a top commander during the Iraq war, and he opposes U.S. intervention abroad.