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Gates recommended that McChrystal, currently the director of the Joint Staff, replace David D. McKiernan as commander of NATO’s International Security Assistance Force and U.S. forces in Afghanistan.
The defense secretary said he reached the decision following consultations with Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of U.S. Central Command; and after gaining approval of President Barack Obama.
“I made these decisions only after careful consideration of a great number of factors, including the advice of Admiral Mullen and General Petraeus,” he said. “In the end, I believe my decisions are in the best interest of our national security and the success of our mission in Afghanistan.”
Gates also recommended David Rodgriguez, the defense secretary’s senior military advisor, for the position of deputy commander U.S. Forces Afghanistan.
By Department of Defense
Posted May 11th, 2009 by Armen Hareyan
