Pace First Marine Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Gen. Peter Pace assumed duties as the top military advisor to the president of the United States Sept. 30. Pace is the first Marine to serve as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff since it was formally established in 1947 He served as vice chairman from Oct. 1, 2001 to Aug. 12, 2005, and was the first Marine to hold that position, as well. The Brooklyn, N.Y., native takes over duties as the senior ranking member of the armed forces from Air Force General Richard Myers.