Gen. John Campbell, at the time a three-star commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) visits the Chicago Pritzker Military Library for an interview and to celebrate the Army's 236th birthday on June 14, 2011. Annie Chambers/DOD
Army's Gen. Campbell Picked To Lead Afghanistan War
President Obama nominated Army Vice Chief Gen. John Campbell to take over in Kabul for the final stage of America’s 13-year Afghan war. By Ben Watson
Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. John Campbell has been selected by President Barack Obama to take over U.S. command of the war in Afghanistan as it comes to an official end this year.
If confirmed by the Senate, the four-star Army general will replace Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford, who has been nominated to become the next Marine Corps Commandant this fall, when Gen. James Amos leaves that post.
Campbell will be overseeing the war in Afghanistan at a crucial time – U.S. troops are scheduled to leave by Dec. 31, leaving behind a residual force of about 9,800 U.S. and NATO troops, if the new president of Afghanistan agrees.
Navy Adm. Bill Gortney, currently the commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, and Army Lt. Gen. Joseph Votel, commander of Joint Special Operations Command, were also nominated by Obama to take charge of U.S. Northern Command and U.S. Special Operations Command, respectively.
“All three are highly qualified officers who have devoted many years of service to their country,” Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said in a statement Tuesday. “If confirmed by Congress, they will be outstanding successors to Gen. Jacoby, Gen. Dunford, and Adm. McRaven, who have all been exemplary and highly effective commanders. I join the president in thanking all these leaders for what they have done and will continue to do for both our nation and our men and women in uniform.”