Dan K. McNeill
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| Dan K. McNeill | |
|---|---|
| Born 1946 (age 61–62) | |
 Official United States Army portrait. |
|
| Nickname | "Bomber" |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1968-present |
| Rank | General |
| Commands held | International Security Assistance Force Combined Joint Task Force-180 XVIII Airborne Corps 82nd Airborne Division |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War Invasion of Panama, Gulf war, War in Afghanistan (2001–present) |
| Awards | Defense Distinguished Service Medal Distinguished Service Medal (2) Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit (5) Bronze Star (3) Expert Infantryman Badge Master Parachutist Badge (with Bronze Service Star) Army Aviator Badge Special Forces Tab |
Dan K. McNeill is a General of the United States Army and since February 1, 2007 commanding officer of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan.[1][2][3][4]
According to Eurasianet, General McNeill opposes the local ceasefires and economic development programs that had been favored by the outgoing NATO commander British General David Richards.[2] The attempted targeting of Taliban commander Abdul Ghafour, through aerial bombardment, on February 4, 2007, was seen as a sign of the policy changes McNeill wanted to introduce.
"Officials in several European countries have quietly expressed concern about placing an American general in charge of the NATO force. Richards tried to create a less harsh, more economic-development-oriented identity for NATO in Afghanistan, as compared to the ‘‘kicking-down-doors’’ image that US forces have. Many local analysts expect NATO forces to embrace a more aggressive stance under McNeill, who is believed to oppose the type of local peace arrangements that Richards promoted. The danger at this point is that an overly aggressive NATO force in Afghanistan could alienate Afghans, and thus cause the Taliban’s support base to grow."[2]
His awards and decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Army Distinguished Service Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters), Bronze Star Medal (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Meritorious Service Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Commendation Medal (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Achievement Medal, Expert Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge (with Bronze Service Star), Army Aviator Badge, and Special Forces Tab[5]
[edit] References
- ^ Tom Coghlan (2007-02-04). Taliban forces retake Musa Qala. The Telegraph.
- ^ a b c Ahmed Rashid. "Taliban takeover of town could mark start of military offensive", Eurasianet, February 5, 2007. Retrieved on February 5.
- ^ NATO airstrike kills Taliban leader in southern Afghan town overrun by militants. The Associated Press (2007-02-04).
- ^ Afghan president escapes assassination bid. Reuters (2008-04-27).
- ^ Official Army Biography
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