Lt. Gen. Laura J. Richardson is the new commander of the U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM), becoming the first woman to lead the largest command in the U.S. Army.
Richardson previously served as deputy commanding general of the same command, and she was also the first woman to hold that position, according to CNN. She was named to that position last year and was promoted this week following the departure of Gen. Robert B. Abrams.
{mosads}Gen. Mark A. Milley, the Army chief of staff, told The Fayetteville Observer that Richardson will serve as the acting commander until a replacement for Abrams is approved.
Milley added that Richardson will likely serve as the commander for an extended period.
“I don’t know how long it’s going to be to be honest with you,” he told her, according to the Fayetteville Observer. “You’re going to be in command of this command for a considerable amount of time.”
FORSCOM spokesman Colonel Michael Lawhorn told CNN that Richardson is among the candidates being considered as Abrams’ long-term replacement.