APNewsBreak: Pentagon to recommend Neller as Marine chief
By ROBERT BURNS and LOLITA C. BALDOR, Associated Press
Jul 1, 2015 11:50 AM CDT
FILE - In this Sept. 17, 2012 file photo, Lt. Gen. Robert Neller is interviewed in Tampa, Fla.Officials say Defense Secretary Ash Carter will recommend that Lt. Gen. Robert Neller, a commander who served in Iraq’s western province during one of the most violent periods of the war, be named the next...   (Associated Press)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Officials say Defense Secretary Ash Carter will recommend that Lt. Gen. Robert Neller, a commander who served in Iraq's western province during one of the most violent periods of the war, be named the next commandant of the Marine Corps.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to discuss the recommendation yet.

Neller was deputy commander in Anbar province from 2005-2007. That region has again taken on key importance in the current battle against the Islamic State group in Iraq.

Neller also was director for worldwide military operations on the Joint Staff from 2011-2012. Last year, he was named head of Marine Corps Forces command.