The U.S. Senate voted Monday night, Lieutenant General Chris Donahue He was confirmed as the new commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa. This confirmation also marks Donahue’s four star general The decision, which came after weeks of obstruction, removed all obstacles preventing Donahue from starting his new role.
Donahue's Highlights
Chris Donahue, currently based in North Carolina Fort Liberty located at the base Commander of the XVIII Airborne Corps However, Donahue is best known for leading the 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Last American Soldier to Leave Afghanistan
Donahue took part in the final mission that ended the 30-year U.S. military presence in Afghanistan on Aug. 2021, 20. That day, he left Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul By boarding a C-17 aircraft He was the last American soldier to leave Afghanistan, and photos of the moment released by the Defense Department made Donahue a public figure.
Senate Approval Process
Donahue’s promotion and appointment to his new position were delayed by several weeks due to some obstruction in the Senate. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), was accused of obstructing Donahue’s progress. However, Mullin did not make any statement regarding this obstruction. In the vote Monday night, Donahue was approved unanimously.
Official Biography and Duties
Donahue spent many years in his career in special operations and counterterrorism. According to his official biography:
- 2017: He assumed command of the Army Infantry School.
- 2019: He was appointed as the Commander of Special Operations Joint Task Force-Afghanistan.
- 2020: He became the Commander of the 82nd Airborne Division.
- 2022: He assumed command of the XVIII Airborne Corps.
Donahue also served as deputy director of special operations and counterterrorism for the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Afghanistan Withdrawal and Criticism
The 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal has drawn widespread criticism within the United States, with former President Donald Trump and other Republican leaders repeatedly criticizing flaws in the planning and execution of the withdrawal. Among those criticisms:
- The sudden end of the US military presence,
- Chaotic scenes at Kabul Airport
- There were shortcomings in the evacuation of US allies.
Despite these controversies, Donahue's nomination and promotion were largely passed without controversy.
New Duties and Expectations
Donahue is expected to be sworn in in the coming days as commander of U.S. Army Europe, a role that is critical to supporting NATO allies in Europe, protecting U.S. strategic interests in the region and ensuring readiness for potential threats.
The appointment of Lieutenant General Chris Donahue as commander of U.S. Army Europe is a significant milestone in his personal career and for U.S. military operations in Europe. Donahue’s experience and leadership will play a major role, particularly in enhancing cooperation with NATO and strengthening deterrence in the region.
