Cone nominated to command TRADOC

FORT HOOD, TEXAS, UNITED STATES

03.10.2011

Courtesy Story

Fort Hood Public Affairs Office

FORT HOOD, Texas – Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced, March 10, in Washington D.C., that the President has nominated Lt. Gen. Robert W. Cone for appointment to the rank of general and assignment as commanding general, United States Army Training and Doctrine Command, Fort Monroe, Va.

If confirmed by the Senate, Cone will receive his fourth star and take command of TRADOC from Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, who is nominated to become the Army Chief of Staff.

Cone is currently the III Corps and Fort Hood Commanding General at Fort Hood. He recently returned from Iraq, where he served as the deputy commanding general – operations for the United States Force-Iraq in Baghdad in support of Operation New Dawn.

Cone has been assigned to TRADOC previously and has a strong training and operational background.

In September 2004, Cone became the commanding general of the Army's National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif. During his 33-month command, Cone implemented a broad array of changes reorienting training to counterinsurgency operations.

Cone deployed to Afghanistan in June 2007 as part of Operation Enduring Freedom and assumed command of the Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan. His 19-month command focused on developing the Afghan National Army and Police. During his tenure, the Afghan National Army expanded from 50,000 troops to close to 80,000.

After returning from Afghanistan, Cone served as the Special Assistant to the Commanding General of the Army's Training and Doctrine Command where he was responsible for officer and enlisted Soldier Initial Military Training.

In late September 2009, Cone assumed command of III Corps and Fort Hood. In February 2010, Cone deployed to Iraq with III Corps Headquarters and became the Deputy Commanding General for Operations, the second highest ranking military officer in United States Forces - Iraq until February 2011. He had responsibility for operations throughout the entire country including the development and training of fielded Iraqi Security Forces. He oversaw the drawdown of U.S. forces from approximately 100,000 to 50,000 troops and the transition from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn.

Cone holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the United States Military Academy, a Master of Arts Degree from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.

His awards and decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters and the Army Achievement Medal, Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge.

Cone is married to the former Jill Marie Egan of Milwaukee, Wis.

• Date Taken: 03.10.2011
• Date Posted: 03.10.2011 15:47
• Story ID: 66804
• Location: FORT HOOD, TEXAS, US