JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) - President Suharto on Feb. 19 appointed general Edi Sudradjat

as armed forces commander, replacing general Try Sutrisno who is likely to be chosen

vice president.

Sudradjat, currently the army chief of staff, said after being sworn in that the

president will choose his replacement soon.

Sudradjat, 55, graduated from the military academy in 1960 and held prestigious commands

in several units. He was involved in a successful military operation to take over

the western half of New Guinea in the 1960s.

His predecessor, Sutrisno, 57, has the support from three of the nation's five factions

to become vice president when the People's Consultative Assembly meets in March.