David McKiernan is a General in the U.S. Army. Throughout his prestigious military career McKiernan has held a number of positions and ranks including International Security Assistance Force Commander and Commander of U.S. operations in Afghanistan. In 2009, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates asked McKiernan to resign as President Obama begins implementing a new strategy in Afghanistan. He will be replaced by General Stanley McChrystal, director of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.Fox News: Pentagon's Top Commander... (May 11, 2009)
Command Posts
- 1988 to 1990: Commanded 1st Battalion, 35th Armor (Iron Knights), 1st Armored Division
- 1993 to 1995: 1st Brigade (Iron Horse) 1st Cavalry Division
- 1999 to 2001: 1st Calvary Division
- 2002 to 2004: 3rd U.S. Army/Combined Forces Land Component Command
- 2006 to 2008: Commander U.S. Army EuropeNATO.com: General David D. McKiernan
Awards and Decorations
- Defense Distinguished Service Medal
- Army Distinguished Service Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster)
- Defense Superior Service Medal
- Legion of Merit (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters)
- Bronze Star
- Defense Meritorious Service Medal
- Meritorious Service Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters)
- Army Commendation Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters)
- Army Achievement Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster)
- Parachutist Badge
- Ranger TabNATO.com: General David D. McKiernan
Featured Video
References
Fast Facts
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Name
David D. McKiernan
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Also holds an honorary doctorate in Public Service from the College of William and Mary
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McKiernan has served in Europe, the continental United States, Korea and Southwest AsiaNATO.com: General David D. McKiernan
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Has completed tours of duty in 1st Infantry Division, 2nd Infantry Division, 1st Armored Division, 3rd Armored Division, 1st Cavalry Division, VII Corps and 3rd U.S. ArmyNATO.com: General David D. McKiernan
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Joined the Allied Command Europe Rapid Reaction Corps as the Deputy Chief of Staff in 1996NATO.com: General David D. McKiernan
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McKiernan specializes in black ops which combines special units with military intelligenceFox News: Pentagon's Top Commander... (May 11, 2009)
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McKiernan became the top commander in Afghanistan in 2008Fox News: Pentagon's Top Commander... (May 11, 2009)
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His style of command was considered to be too "old school" by Secretary of Defense Robert GatesFox News: Pentagon's Top Commander... (May 11, 2009)
