Story highlights McMaster commanded troops during the first Gulf War, receiving the Silver Star

He is the first active-duty military officer to take the post since Gen. Colin Powell

Washington (CNN) President Donald Trump has chosen a decorated and outspoken Army lieutenant general to be his next national security adviser.

He announced his selection of Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster for the job Monday, after retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn was forced to resign only weeks into the job.

"He is a man of tremendous talent and tremendous experience," Trump said of McMaster while announcing the appointment Monday in Palm Beach, Florida.

A graduate of the US Military Academy at West Point, McMaster commanded troops during the first Gulf War, receiving the Silver Star for his role commanding a tank during the Battle of 73 Easting, one of the biggest tank battles since World War II.

McMaster is also known for his intellectual pursuits, receiving a PhD in history from the University of North Carolina. In 1997 he also wrote a book taking the military to task for aspects of its public posture during the Vietnam War.

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