General David Rodriguez

Gen. David Rodriguez, commanding general of U.S. Army Forces Command, speaks to members of the local media at French Theater on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., March 15 during a routine visit by Rodriguez to the installation for a semiannual training brief from JBLM unit commanders. While at JBLM, Rodriguez took some time to visit with staff and soldiers at a couple of the installation's premier facilities and to address any concerns with its units.

Lt. Gen. David M. Rodriguez, commander, ISAF Joint Command and Brig. Gen. Zalmay Wesa, commander, Afghan National Army 209th Corps, step off the flight line after arriving at Camp Shaheen, Afghanistan, prior to the Operation Naiad 1390 conference. Op Omid 1390 provides guidance from the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to Afghan National Security Forces in order to achieve security, governance and socio-economic goals. ISAF's mission is to provide support to Afghanistan in creating a functioning government and administration structure, while preserving Afghan traditions and culture.

Lt. Col. David Harshberger, Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crises Response executive officer, answers questions from U.S. Africa Command Commander Gen. David Rodriguez during the general's command visit to Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy, June 11, 2013. During his visit, Rodriguez encouraged Marines and Sailors to continue the high level of performance they have maintained during their deployment to Sigonella and throughout Africa. Special-Purpose MAGTF Crisis Response is a rotational force of approximately 500 Marines and Sailors sourced from a variety of Marine Corps Units to include II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C., according to the force's requirement and their mission of being a rapid-deployment force within the U.S. Africa Command area of operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Timothy Norris/Released)

Obama and AFRICOM chief General David Rodriguez

Gen. David Rodriguez, commanding general of U.S. Army Forces Command, listens to Capt. Khalid Jaboori, deputy officer in charge for the Soldiers Center Medical Home on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., March 15, as Jaboori explains the mission his staff at the center carry out, during a routine visit by Rodriguez to the installation for a semiannual training brief from JBLM unit commanders. While at JBLM, Rodriguez took some time to visit with staff and soldiers at a couple of the installation's premier facilities and to address any concerns with its units.

Sgt. Robert Luther, Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa armory chief from Sudbury, Mass., and U.S. Africa Command Commander Gen. David Rodriguez laugh at a joke during the general's command visit to Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy, June 11, 2013. During his visit, Rodriguez encouraged Marines and Sailors to continue the high level of performance they have maintained during their deployment to Sigonella and throughout Africa. Since deploying in January, Special-Purpose MAGTF Africa 13 has trained over 500 host nation personnel in Uganda, Burundi, Cameroon, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Seychelles, Mozambique, Tanzania, Senegal and Liberia. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Timothy Norris/Released)

Rodriguez receives historic award, celebrates veterans in return to home area

U.S. Army Gen. David M. Rodriguez, U.S. Africa Command commander, gives his opening comments during the kickoff for the annual Regional Synchronization Working Group conference Oct. 26 on Ramstein. The conference kicked off the five-day event that invited more than 200 U.S. service members and NATO partners to come together and discuss future planning for AFRICOM.

General David M. Rodriguez, a 1976 West Point graduate, oversaw the surge of 30,000 additional U.S. troops in Afghanistan in 2009. He had leadership roles in the Gulf War, Desert Shield and Desert Storm, as well. Among his numerous honors are the Defense Distinguished Medal, Bronze Star Medal, and Distinguished Service Medal.

ISIS has set up training camps in Libya, a top U.S. general said Wednesday. Army Gen. David Rodriguez described the camps as "small and very nascent," with an estimated "couple of hundred" of ISIS-affiliated personnel. Speaking at a Pentagon briefing, Rodriguez said he had not recommended deploying American air power or troops to go after the camps in the chaotic North African country.

A native of West Chester Pennsylvania, he earned his commission from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York in 1976. General Rodriguez has commanded at every level to include Commanding General of Army Forces Command, Commander of the International Security Assistance Force - Joint Command in Afghanistan, Commander of the 82nd Airborne Division in Afghanistan, Commander of the Multi-National Force North West in Iraq, 2nd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, and 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). He commanded companies in the 75th Ranger Regiment and the 1st Armored Division. His commands included 4 years in combat at the 2 and 3-star level. He also served as the Senior Military Advisor to Secretary of Defense Gates as a 3 star.

STUTTGART, Germany – On Monday, July 18, General David M. Rodriguez, Commander, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), will pass the flag to U.S. Marine Corps General Thomas D. Waldhauser in a change of command ceremony here, capping a 40-year military career for Rodriguez.