Promotion of Delta Force Trained General Who Led 82nd Airborne Division During Afghanistan Evacuation Held Up By Senate – Guy D. McCardle
In a recent development that has drawn significant attention within military and political circles, the promotion of Lieutenant General Christopher T. Donahue to a four-star general and his appointment as the commanding general of U.S. Army Europe and Africa have been unexpectedly delayed in the Senate. This delay has raised questions about the underlying reasons and potential implications for military leadership and operations.
Background on Lt. Gen. Christopher T. Donahue
Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue is a highly accomplished U.S. Army officer with an impressive career in special operations. A 1992 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Infantry Branch. Over the years, Donahue has risen through the ranks, earning respect for his leadership and operational expertise. He has deployed to combat zones an impressive 18 times, showcasing his commitment to serving on the front lines.
From the start of his career, Donahue demonstrated exceptional leadership. As a young officer, he served as a platoon leader in Korea, Fort Polk, and with the elite 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. Later, he commanded a rifle company in the 5th Battalion, 87th Infantry in Panama, further building his reputation as a capable and dynamic leader. Throughout his career, Donahue held key positions within the U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC), contributing significantly to its mission. His assignments included serving as Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, commanding a brigade within USASOC, and directing operations for the U.S. Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), one of the most critical roles in the military’s special operations community.
Donahue’s extensive experience in special operations is unmatched. He served with the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta, more commonly known as Delta Force, one of the most secretive and elite units in the U.S. military. He led a Delta Force troop in Iraq and a squadron in Afghanistan, where his leadership was instrumental in executing high-stakes missions. Across nearly 20 overseas deployments, Donahue gained firsthand experience in some of the most challenging operational environments. His expertise in planning and leading missions has made him a trusted figure in the special operations community.
In recent years, Donahue has taken on high-profile assignments. From 2020 to 2021, he commanded the legendary 82nd Airborne Division, a unit known for its rapid-response capabilities and pivotal role in global conflicts. Currently, he serves as the commanding general of the XVIII Airborne Corps, a position he has held since March 2022. In this role, he oversees large-scale operations and strategic initiatives vital to U.S. Army missions worldwide.
In addition to his military accomplishments, Donahue has an impressive academic background. He earned a master’s degree from the Naval Command and Staff College at the Naval War College and completed an Army War College Fellowship at Harvard University in 2013. These achievements reflect his intellectual rigor and dedication to continuous learning, which have informed his approach to leadership and strategy.
Lt. Gen. Donahue gained public recognition for his role during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. On August 30, 2021, he was photographed boarding a C-17 aircraft at Kabul airport under the cover of night, becoming the last American soldier to leave the country. The image, captured through night vision, became an iconic symbol of the end of America’s 20-year presence in Afghanistan.
Donahue boarding a C-17 in Kabul. Image Credit: US Army
Recently, Donahue was nominated for promotion to four-star general and selected to command U.S. Army Europe-Africa, a critical leadership role overseeing U.S. military operations across Europe and Africa. His extensive experience in special operations, combat leadership, and strategic planning positions him as a natural fit for this challenging assignment. His leadership has shaped the U.S. Army’s approach to modern warfare and left an indelible mark on the soldiers he has commanded.
In a recent development that has drawn significant attention within military and political circles, the promotion of Lieutenant General Christopher T. Donahue to a four-star general and his appointment as the commanding general of U.S. Army Europe and Africa have been unexpectedly delayed in the Senate. This delay has raised questions about the underlying reasons and potential implications for military leadership and operations.
Background on Lt. Gen. Christopher T. Donahue
Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue is a highly accomplished U.S. Army officer with an impressive career in special operations. A 1992 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Infantry Branch. Over the years, Donahue has risen through the ranks, earning respect for his leadership and operational expertise. He has deployed to combat zones an impressive 18 times, showcasing his commitment to serving on the front lines.
From the start of his career, Donahue demonstrated exceptional leadership. As a young officer, he served as a platoon leader in Korea, Fort Polk, and with the elite 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. Later, he commanded a rifle company in the 5th Battalion, 87th Infantry in Panama, further building his reputation as a capable and dynamic leader. Throughout his career, Donahue held key positions within the U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC), contributing significantly to its mission. His assignments included serving as Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, commanding a brigade within USASOC, and directing operations for the U.S. Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), one of the most critical roles in the military’s special operations community.
Donahue’s extensive experience in special operations is unmatched. He served with the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta, more commonly known as Delta Force, one of the most secretive and elite units in the U.S. military. He led a Delta Force troop in Iraq and a squadron in Afghanistan, where his leadership was instrumental in executing high-stakes missions. Across nearly 20 overseas deployments, Donahue gained firsthand experience in some of the most challenging operational environments. His expertise in planning and leading missions has made him a trusted figure in the special operations community.
In recent years, Donahue has taken on high-profile assignments. From 2020 to 2021, he commanded the legendary 82nd Airborne Division, a unit known for its rapid-response capabilities and pivotal role in global conflicts. Currently, he serves as the commanding general of the XVIII Airborne Corps, a position he has held since March 2022. In this role, he oversees large-scale operations and strategic initiatives vital to U.S. Army missions worldwide.
In addition to his military accomplishments, Donahue has an impressive academic background. He earned a master’s degree from the Naval Command and Staff College at the Naval War College and completed an Army War College Fellowship at Harvard University in 2013. These achievements reflect his intellectual rigor and dedication to continuous learning, which have informed his approach to leadership and strategy.
Lt. Gen. Donahue gained public recognition for his role during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. On August 30, 2021, he was photographed boarding a C-17 aircraft at Kabul airport under the cover of night, becoming the last American soldier to leave the country. The image, captured through night vision, became an iconic symbol of the end of America’s 20-year presence in Afghanistan.
Donahue boarding a C-17 in Kabul. Image Credit: US Army
Recently, Donahue was nominated for promotion to four-star general and selected to command U.S. Army Europe-Africa, a critical leadership role overseeing U.S. military operations across Europe and Africa. His extensive experience in special operations, combat leadership, and strategic planning positions him as a natural fit for this challenging assignment. His leadership has shaped the U.S. Army’s approach to modern warfare and left an indelible mark on the soldiers he has commanded.
Nomination and Senate Proceedings
On November 15, 2024, the Department of Defense announced Donahue’s nomination for promotion to general and assignment as the commanding general of U.S. Army Europe and Africa.
The Senate Armed Services Committee subsequently approved his nomination, advancing it to the full Senate. However, during a session on November 21, the Senate confirmed a batch of nearly 1,000 military promotions but notably excluded Donahue’s. Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullen initiated the hold on Donahue’s promotion. When asked, Mullen’s office had no comment on the matter.
The hold-up likely has something to do with the fact that President-elect Trump had pledged at one point he would fire any senior officer having anything to do with the disastrous withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan.
Potential Reasons for the Delay
The hold on Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue’s promotion appears to be tied to his role in the 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, an operation that has become a flashpoint for criticism among some Republican lawmakers. Reports suggest that the Trump transition team encouraged Republican senators to scrutinize military officers involved in the withdrawal, signaling a broader political strategy targeting those linked to the operation. While holds on military promotions are not unheard of, they are relatively rare for officer confirmations. With limited time remaining in the current congressional session, Donahue’s confirmation could be delayed until next year, potentially requiring his nomination to be resubmitted to a new Congress.
Implications of the Delay
The postponement of Donahue’s promotion carries several potential implications:
Leadership Vacancies: The delay affects not only the U.S. Army Europe and Africa command but also the XVIII Airborne Corps, which Donahue currently leads. Such vacancies can disrupt continuity and strategic planning within these commands.
Operational Impact: U.S. Army Europe and Africa play crucial roles in NATO operations and in addressing security challenges on the continent. A delay in leadership transition could impact ongoing missions and partnerships.
Precedent for Future Nominations: This situation highlights the influence individual senators can wield over military promotions, potentially setting a precedent for future holds based on policy disagreements or personal objections.
Reactions from the Military Community
The military community has voiced significant concern and disappointment over the hold on Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue’s promotion to four-star general. The hold, initiated by Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin, is widely seen as politically motivated, tied to Donahue’s role in the 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. As the last American soldier to leave the country, Donahue became a symbol of the chaotic evacuation, an event that remains a contentious issue among some lawmakers.
Many in the military view this hold as an unprecedented politicization of officer promotions. Historically, military promotions have been largely free from political interference, making this situation an unsettling departure from tradition. A former senior officer noted that the delay feels like a personal attack on Donahue rather than an effort to address broader policy concerns, calling it “100% political.”
Despite the controversy, Donahue has received strong support from his peers and colleagues, who regard him as one of the Army’s most capable leaders. His leadership during the Afghanistan evacuation and his recent work in Europe, managing rising tensions with Russia, have cemented his reputation within military circles. Many see him as a critical figure in maintaining operational readiness during pivotal moments.
The hold has also sparked concerns about morale among service members. Many worry that political interference in promotions undermines confidence in military leadership and sends a troubling message to the rank and file. Soldiers could feel disillusioned, believing their leaders are being caught in political crossfire rather than being recognized for their service and achievements.
This situation is part of a broader trend of increasing political involvement in military nominations. Holds on nominations, once rare, have become more common in recent years, often linked to policy disputes or political agendas. The military community fears that this trend could undermine the traditionally apolitical nature of military promotions and, by extension, the effectiveness of military leadership.
Overall, the reaction from the military underscores a deep concern about the potential long-term impact of political interference on operational readiness, leadership, and morale. For many in the armed forces, ensuring that promotions remain based on merit rather than politics is critical to maintaining the integrity of the military.
Next Steps
The Senate is expected to reconvene in December, at which point Donahue’s nomination may be reconsidered. If a senator’s hold remains, the Senate could bypass it through a time-consuming floor vote. The outcome will depend on negotiations among senators and the prioritization of military leadership appointments.
Summation
The delay in Lt. Gen. Christopher T. Donahue’s promotion underscores the complex interplay between military operations and political processes. As the situation develops, it will be essential to monitor the Senate’s actions and their implications for military leadership and effectiveness.
This is a developing story, and SOFREP will report back as the situation changes.
