Pete Hegseth’s military overhaul hits another top general as Donahue exits
General Christopher Donahue, commander of U.S. Army forces in Europe and Africa, is unexpectedly stepping down on July 2 after 18 months in his role. Donahue is famously known as the last American soldier to depart Afghanistan in 2021, a moment captured in an iconic night-vision photograph. His
By Konstantin Toropin
General Christopher Donahue, commander of U.S. Army forces in Europe and Africa, is unexpectedly stepping down on July 2 after 18 months in his role.
Donahue is famously known as the last American soldier to depart Afghanistan in 2021, a moment captured in an iconic night-vision photograph.
His departure is part of a trend under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who advocates for streamlining senior military ranks and has seen nearly two dozen top leaders retire or leave early.
An Army official indicated Donahue's exit aligns with internal discussions about potentially downgrading the US Army Europe and Africa Command from a four-star to a three-star position.
Hegseth recently announced a six-month Pentagon review of American forces in Europe, urging NATO allies to take primary responsibility for the continent's defense.