WASHINGTON D.C. (BNO NEWS) – Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis appeared on Tuesday before the Senate Armed Services Committee as he is being considered for re-appointment to the rank of general and to head the U.S. Central Command (Centcom).

"Having been nominated for this position, I am extremely mindful of the extraordinary privilege it's been to serve for over 38 years, alongside America's finest young men and women. I will also provide my best professional military assessment to this committee and to our national security leadership," Mattis said before the Senate.

Mattis called for harmony and consistency in the Centcom area of operation this day, stressing the necessity for continued military, civilian and regional cooperation to successfully drive out extremism.

"The wars we are fighting require highly integrated military efforts from the highest to the lowest levels. If confirmed, I will make every effort to work closely with civilian and military leaders charged with leading our operations, and to ensure they are fully resourced in a coherent and comprehensive manner," Mattis said.

Mattis said that one of his priorities would be to combat al-Qaeda and other extremist groups as well as managing efforts in Afghanistan. He also remarked the importance of constant pressure of coalition partners in combating such threats as well as a strong partnership with Pakistan.

"I believe that by steadfastly executing our strategy, we will win in Afghanistan. We recognize that achieving our goals in Afghanistan requires also the enduring commitment of the international community."

"Inextricably linked to our campaign in Afghanistan is our strategic partnership with Pakistan," Mattis added. Pakistan continues to endure great sacrifices in their effort to counter extremism, and I am heartened by their efforts."

Mattis also highlighted that he will continue the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq. Last year, 128,000 forces were deployed to Iraq, while this year the U.S. troops have reduced to 77,000 and is expected to lower to 50,000 by September. All U.S. forces must be out of Iraq by December 2011.

Regarding Iran, the General said it poses the greatest long-term challenge in the region due to the Islamic nation's nuclear ambitions. He said that Iran threatens regional and global stability.

"The task of Central Command will be to counter the Iranian regime's destabilizing activities, to deter the regime from aggression, and to work in concert with our partners in the region to advance our shared security interests."

The Marine Corps General currently serves as both the NATO supreme allied commander for transformation and commander of U.S. Joint Forces Command in Norfolk, Virginia. He was nominated by President Obama to succeed Army Gen. David Petraeus, who was selected to command U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan.

The U.S. Central Command oversees all American military operations in the Middle East and Central Asia, including Afghanistan and Iraq.

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