The Defense Department announced today, June 23, Lt. Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody is nominated for appointment to the rank of general and assignment as U.S. Army Materiel Command commanding general.

If confirmed by Congress, Dunwoody would become the first woman in the U.S. Armed Forces to attain the rank of general. Approximately five percent of general officers in the Army are women, which includes mobilized Army Reserve and Army National Guard general officers.

"Lt. Gen. Dunwoody's leadership, character and career have best prepared her to lead the Army Materiel Command," said Secretary of the Army Pete Geren. "She will bring 33 years of experience to over 56 thousand Soldiers, DA Civilians, and their Families in 40 states and 50 countries as she serves as the next commanding general of Army Materiel Command."

Prior to taking her current assignment as deputy commanding general and chief of staff, U.S. Army Materiel Command at Fort Belvoir, Va., Dunwoody served as the deputy chief of staff, G-4 at the Pentagon. She was responsible for ensuring warfighters had the necessary supplies and services, and that logisticians had the tools and equipment necessary to deliver those supplies and services to Soldiers around the globe.

"This is an important day for the Dunwoody family, the military and the Nation," said Gen. George W. Casey, Chief of Staff of the Army. "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. Our Nation will continue to benefit from Lt. Gen. Dunwoody's leadership as the Army continues to build strength from our diversity."

Dunwoody, a native of New York, 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., Dunwoody has commanded at every level. Dunwoody 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," said Dunwoody. "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."

Dunwoody's awards and badges include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Master Parachutist Badge, Parachutist Rigger Badge and the Army Staff Identification Badge.

Media may contact Lt. Col. Anne Edgecomb, (703) 697-5662, anne.edgecomb@us.army.mil