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Obama Names Next U.S. Commander In Afghanistan


General John Campbell (left) with then U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates (right) in Kunar Province in 2010. (file photo)
General John Campbell (left) with then U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates (right) in Kunar Province in 2010. (file photo)

The Pentagon says U.S. President Barack Obama has nominated General John Campbell to be the next commander of U.S. and international forces in Afghanistan.

Campbell, who is currently vice chief of staff of the Army, will replace General Joseph Dunford, who earlier this month was nominated to lead the Marine Corps as commandant.

Campbell will lead U.S. forces in the country, as well as NATO's International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, as America pulls out its combat troops later this year and leaves about 10,000 personnel to train and advise the Afghan military.

Campbell has served in Afghanistan, having commanded the 101st Airborne Division in the east in 2010 and 2011.

Based on reporting by AP and dpa

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