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High-Profile Military Exits Continue as Gen. Chris Donahue Retires

General Chris "CD" Donahue has announced his retirement, marking a significant departure among senior military leaders during Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's tenure. Known as the last American soldier to leave Afghanistan, Donahue's exit raises questions about the future of US military operations in Europe. His departure is part of a broader trend of high-profile military reshuffles within the Pentagon, which has seen numerous senior officials leave their posts. This article explores the implications of Donahue's retirement and the ongoing changes in military leadership.
By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 25, 2026, 01:17 IST

Gen. Chris Donahue's Retirement Announcement


The recent retirement of General Chris "CD" Donahue has added to the list of senior military officials departing from the Pentagon during the tenure of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Donahue, who has served as the commander of US Army Europe and Africa and led NATO land forces in Europe, has submitted his retirement paperwork after just 18 months in this position. A military official confirmed that he will officially step down on July 2.


Donahue is widely recognized as the last American soldier to exit Afghanistan during the 2021 withdrawal and is considered one of the Army's most esteemed officers. He was often mentioned as a potential candidate for Army chief of staff. However, reports suggest that he may have lost favor with Hegseth, marking him as the latest senior military leader to leave amid what critics describe as a significant reshuffling within the Pentagon.


Notable Military Leaders Departing Under Hegseth


During Hegseth's time as defense secretary, several high-ranking officials have been dismissed, forced out, or have retired. The following is a list of some of the notable figures:



  1. Gen. Chris Donahue – Commander of US Army Europe and Africa.


  2. Gen. Randy George – Army chief of staff.


  3. Gen. David Hodne – Head of Army Transformation and Training Command.


  4. Maj. Gen. William Green Jr. – Chief of Chaplains.


  5. Col. Dave Butler – Senior officer closely associated with Gen. George.


  6. Lt. Gen. Joe McGee – Three-star Army officer.


  7. Adm. Alvin Holsey – Head of US Southern Command.


  8. Jon Harrison – Navy chief of staff.


  9. Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse – Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency.


  10. Rear Adm. Milton Sands – Navy SEAL officer and head of Naval Special Warfare Command.


  11. Gen. David Allvin – Chief of Staff of the Air Force.


  12. Gen. Timothy Haugh – Head of US Cyber Command and director of the National Security Agency.


  13. Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. – Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.


  14. Gen. James Slife – Former vice chief of staff of the Air Force.


  15. Adm. Linda Fagan – Commandant of the US Coast Guard.


  16. Adm. Lisa Franchetti


  17. Lt. Gen. Jennifer Short


  18. Lt. Gen. Joseph B. Berger III – The Army's top military lawyer.


  19. Lt. Gen. Charles Plummer – The Air Force's top military lawyer.


  20. Vice Adm. Shoshana Chatfield – The only woman on NATO's military committee.



This list also includes former Navy Secretary John Phelan, who was removed earlier this year.


Significance of Donahue's Departure


Donahue's retirement is particularly noteworthy due to his significant role within both the US military and NATO. He gained popularity among American and allied forces and became one of the most recognized generals of his generation following the Afghanistan withdrawal. His departure comes at a pivotal moment for US military operations in Europe, potentially leading to substantial shifts in America's military strategy on the continent.