Petraeus to Leave Battlefield for CIA

By Lisa Daniel

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 28, 2011 – Army Gen. David H. Petraeus plans hang up his uniform in September to lead the CIA.

President Barack Obama announced his intention today to nominate Petraeus to succeed Leon E. Panetta as CIA director. Panetta is the president’s choice to succeed retiring Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates.

Petraeus said he would be grateful to continue his public service by heading the CIA. His nomination is subject to Senate confirmation. The general, who assumed command in Afghanistan on July 4 after serving 20 months as commander of U.S. Central Command, announced his plans to retire to take the CIA position.

Petraeus’ retirement will end a four-decade career highlighted by his development of the Army/Marine Corps Counterinsurgency Manual and his leadership of U.S. and coalition forces through the “surge” credited with turning around the war in Iraq.

He is a 1974 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy, and he holds a doctorate from Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs.