Army Lt. Gen. John "Mick" Nicholson Jr., the U.S. Army commander of NATO land forces, has been nominated to succeed Army Gen. John Campbell as commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, the Pentagon said this week.
Nicholson previously has served as chief of staff of operations for the International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces Afghanistan. Nicholson also served as director of the Pakistan/Afghanistan coordination cell for the Joint Staff, and deputy commander for stability in ISAF Regional Command South.
At a press briefing to announce the nomination, Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook read a statement from Defense Secretary Ash Carter, who said Nicholson will build on Campbell’s hard work to "secure a bright future for the Afghan people and help the government of Afghanistan strengthen a professional and capable security partner to the American people."
Carter notes how Campbell successfully pushed back al-Qaida forces, denying them safe haven, and figured out how to effectively prepare Afghan forces, Cook said.
Nicholson, whose promotion requires Senate confirmation, has many military accomplishments to his name, leading soldiers at all levels, from platoon, Airborne division, Ranger, mechanized, Stryker and light infantry. Additionally, Nicholson commanded the 82nd Airborne Division.
Alerts Sign-up