Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, who was previously nominated as NATO’s next supreme allied commander for Europe, has retired from military service, according to the DoD.
Gen. Allen cites health issues as the major reason for the move.
The President issued a written statement stating his deep gratitude for Allen’s impressive achievement in leading the coalition forces in Afghanistan and his long tenure with the Marine Corps.
“General Allen presided over the significant growth in the size and capability of Afghan national security forces, the further degradation of al-Qaida and their extremist allies, and the ongoing transition to Afghan security responsibility across the country,†the president said.
According to the article, the General is known as a staunch supporter of programs for military personnel and their families.
Allen’s nomination for the top NATO post was put on hold due to an investigation for professional misconduct. The allegations were found to be groundless last month.
He handed over the International Security Assistance Force and U.S. forces in Afghanistan to Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr. on February 10.
