THE PENTAGON — Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joe Dunford recently retired after 42 years of military service, but he won't be putting the Pentagon in his rear view mirror just yet. Sources close to President Donald Trump report he is considering hiring Dunford as Secretary of Defense and promptly firing him, in keeping with recent tradition.

Dunford, who famously earned the nickname "Fighting Joe" for the effort he made to avoid Pentagon assignments, seems to be ready to accept his fate.

He said of his retirement, "I hoped to spend some quiet time with the family, catch a few Red Sox games, and keep up with my fitness. I'd also like to get my tour as Secretary of Defense over with as quickly as possible, so I can finally live in peace."

He also added that he expects he's already on the short list for the position, stating that he would be "unbelievably lucky" if that wasn't the case.

Sources at the White House showed more enthusiasm.

"Esper is fine and all, but he's alr…

Retired Gen. Dunford looks forward to being…

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