Obama picks Dempsey as top US military officer

President Barack Obama on Monday nominated General Martin Dempsey, who commanded troops in the Iraq war, as the top US military officer.

If confirmed by the US Senate, Dempsey would replace Admiral Mike Mullen as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff when he steps down on Oct. 1. Obama made the high-profile pick in a White House ceremony just before heading to Arlington cemetery for a Memorial Day event to honor America's war dead. (Reuters)