Lt. Gen. John Allen to lead in Afghanistan

By: Staff
SSgtNichols.com

WASHINGTON - Lt. Gen. John Allen is expected to replace Army Gen. David Petraeus by September according to a White House spokesman. Allen has served as deputy commanding general of U.S. Central Command since July 2008.

Allen graduated with military honors from the Naval Academy with the Class of 1976, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Operations Analysis. He is a 1998 Distinguished Graduate of the National War College. He holds a Master of Arts degree in National Security Studies from Georgetown University, a Master of Science degree in Strategic Intelligence from the Defense Intelligence College, and a Master of Science degree in National Security Strategy from the National War College.

Personal decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal and the Legion of Merit with three Gold Stars in lieu of four awards.  Foreign awards include the Mongolian Meritorious Service Medal, First Class, the Gold Medal of the Polish Armed Forces, and the Taiwan Order of the Resplendent Banner with Special Cravat.

Allen's predecessor, David Petraeus will be nominated as the next director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

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