Top army general who was last US soldier to leave Afghanistan abruptly steps down

General Christopher Donahue, commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, is stepping down from his post on July 2, 2026, after only 18 months in command. Donahue was notably the last American soldier to depart Afghanistan in August 2021. His departure marks the latest in a series of nearly two dozen high-ranking military leaders who have either retired or left their positions early. This trend aligns with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's initiative to reduce the number of generals within the military, a strategy he has described as "less generals, more GIs." Donahue also holds the position of commander of NATO's Allied Land Command. The Army confirmed his departure in a statement provided to the Associated Press.