The United States Army is experiencing a significant leadership shake-up, with the announcement of the resignation of General Christopher Donahue, commanding general of U.S. Army Europe and Africa and commander of NATO's Allied Land Command. After just 18 months in the job, Donahue will relinquish his command on July 2, according to an Army statement.
Donahue's departure comes amid a broader effort by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to reorganize the military's top brass, with a focus on "less generals, more GIs." This mantra has led to the retirement or early departure of nearly two dozen top military leaders, including several prominent generals.
As the commander of U.S. forces in Europe and Africa, Donahue is known for being the last American soldier to leave Afghanistan in 2021. He commanded Delta Force units in Iraq and Afghanistan before leading the 82nd Airborne Division from July 2020 to March 2022.
Donahue's resignation was reportedly the result of a clash with Hegseth, who has undertaken a significant review of the military's leadership structure. The review is expected to lead to further changes in the military's top ranks.
Donahue's deputy, Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, will temporarily take over his duties, while Hegseth seeks to downgrade Donahue's post from four-star to three-star. Such a demotion would strip the military's highest rank of command.
This development follows a string of high-profile firings and terminations, including the ousting of Army Chief of Staff General Randy George, the Army's chief of chaplains, Major General William Green Jr., and the head of Army Transformation and Training Command, General David Hodne. Over a dozen generals and admirals have left their posts since Hegseth assumed office.
