General's Sudden Retirement Raises Concerns for Military Leadership

WHO:

Alternet - U.S. Army Gen. Chris Donahue is the Army commander in Europe.

Alternet - Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is overseeing changes in military leadership.

Alternet - Retired Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling is a former U.S. Army Europe commander.

WHAT:

Alternet - Gen. Chris Donahue is making an "abrupt departure" from his post.

Alternet - Hegseth's actions reflect a "broader push to shrink the number of generals and admirals by 10 percent overall."

Alternet - Donahue's career spans more than 30 years, including roles as a Ranger, special operations commander, and combat leader.

Alternet - Donahue commanded the 82nd Airborne Division and XVIII Airborne Corps.

Alternet - Donahue oversees more than 40,000 soldiers, civilians, and Army professionals.

WHERE:

Alternet - Donahue is the Army commander in Europe, overseeing responsibilities across Europe and Africa.

WHY:

Alternet - Hertling emphasizes that Donahue's departure is "about more than the departure of a single officer."

Alternet - Hertling warns that Hegseth's actions are "incredibly disruptive to the military."

Alternet - The removal of Donahue occurs alongside the removal or early retirement of more than two dozen senior officers across the armed forces.

HOW:

Alternet - Hertling describes the importance of trust in military organizations, stating that "Military organizations are built on trust."

(UPDATED June 25, 2026 15:54 UTC)

U.S. Army General Chris Donahue is making an abrupt departure from his post as the Army commander in Europe, where he has overseen more than 40,000 soldiers, civilians, and Army professionals during his distinguished 30-year career. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is implementing changes in military leadership that reflect a broader push to reduce the number of generals and admirals by ten percent, which retired Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling warns could be incredibly disruptive to the military. Hertling emphasizes that Donahue's departure signifies more than just the exit of one officer, highlighting the critical importance of trust within military organizations.