Colin Powell, Four Star General, became the 12th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest military position in the Department of Defense and his last military assignment, from October 1, 1989, to September 30, 1993. At age 52 he was the first African American to serve in this position. Powell was also the first JCS Chair who received his commission through ROTC. Powell in April 1989 also became the Commanding General of the United States Army Forces Command (FORSCOM). FORSCOM is the largest United States Army command and provider of expeditionary, campaign-capable land forces to combatant commanders.
