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First female poised to become 4-star

Lt. Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody, deputy commander and chief of staff of U.S. Army Materiel Command, is poised to become the first female four-star general in the U.S. military, according to an Army press release.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced Monday that the White House has nominated Dunwoody for appointment to the grade of general and assignment as commanding general of AMC at Fort Belvoir, Va.

“This is an important day for the Dunwoody family, the military and the Nation,” Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey said in the release. “Lt. Gen. Dunwoody’s nomination not only underscores her significant contributions and success throughout 33 years of service, but also shows the level of possible opportunity in our Army’s diverse, quality all-volunteer force.”

Approximately five percent of general officers in the Army are women, which includes mobilized Army Reserve and Army National Guard general officers, the Army release said.

Prior to taking her current assignment, Dunwoody served as the deputy chief of staff, G-4 at the Pentagon, which provides services and support for soldiers.

Dunwoody is a native of New York and received a direct commission after graduating from the State University of New York in 1975.

Since her first assignment in 1976 as a platoon leader at Fort Sill, Okla., she has commanded at every level.

She comes from a family with a long tradition of military service, including her great grandfather, grandfather, father, brother, sister, niece and husband.

“I am very honored but also very humbled today with this announcement,” Dunwoody said in the release. “I grew up in a family that didn’t know what glass ceilings were. This nomination only reaffirms what I have known to be true about the military throughout my career ... that the doors continue to open for men and women in uniform. My focus right now is to be the best deputy I can be.”

The position requires Senate confirmation. A hearing has not yet been scheduled.

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