[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1999, Book I)]
[April 21, 1999]
[Pages 589-590]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on the Nomination of General Eric K. Shinseki To Be Chief of Staff of the United States Army
April 21, 1999

    I am pleased to nominate Gen. Eric K. Shinseki to be Chief of Staff 
of the United States Army. If confirmed by the Senate, General Shinseki 
will succeed Gen. Dennis J. Reimer, who 
will be retiring later this year after 37 years of distinguished active 
duty service.


[[Page 590]]


    General Shinseki currently serves as the Vice Chief of Staff of the 
U.S. Army. Immediately prior to assuming his present position, he served 
as Commander in Chief of United States Army Europe and concurrently as 
Commander of NATO's Stabilization Force in Bosnia. He brings to the 
position of Chief of Staff extensive operational and joint experience as 
well as proven leadership ability and a deep concern for the soldiers, 
civilians, and families of the United States Army.

    During his distinguished career, General Shinseki served two combat 
tours in Vietnam and has commanded at every level from company through 
theater army. As Commander of the Stabilization Force, he directed the 
operations of the three Multinational Divisions in Bosnia, promoting 
implementation of the Dayton accords.

    General Shinseki assumes the post of Chief of Staff as the U.S. Army 
proudly celebrates 224 years of dedicated service to our Nation in war 
and peace. With General Shinseki as Chief of Staff, I am confident that 
the total Army--active, Reserve, and National Guard--will continue its 
tradition of excellence, dedication, and professionalism as it enters 
the 21st century.