Former Idahoan Nominated To Head The Marines

Washington, D.C. - A former Idahoan and graduate of the University of Idaho has been nominated to head the U.S. Marine Corps. Idaho Senator Mike Crapo confirmed today that General Jim Amos has been nominated by Defense Secretary Robert Gates as the 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps. University of Idaho President M. Duane Nellis said General Amos earned an undergraduate degree in finance/business and economics from the University of Idaho in 1970.

"General Amos is an outstanding Idahoan, and I am honored to have had the opportunity to meet with him as he moved up through the ranks in the Marine Corps," Crapo said. "I salute his record of service as a pilot and a leader, and I join with other Idahoans who are proud that he hails from our great state. Idaho has a long history of outstanding military personnel, and General Amos will certainly add to that."

"The University of Idaho congratulates General James Amos on his nomination to be the commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps," said President Nellis. "His distinguished career since earning an undergraduate degree at the University of Idaho affirms the legacy of leadership that is a hallmark of Idaho's land-grant university. He joins many other distinguished alumni of the university who serve their country in both public and military roles."

General Amos' nomination now goes before the Senate Armed Services Committee. No hearing date has been chosen. He will face confirmation before the full Senate.