[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 16 (Monday, April 26, 1999)]
[Page 689]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the Nomination of Gen. 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.
    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.