David D. McKiernan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David D. McKiernan
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| Born | 11 December 1950 Atlanta, Georgia, United States |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1972–2009 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands held | International Security Assistance Force United States Forces – Afghanistan Seventh United States Army Third United States Army Coalition Forces Land Component Command 1st Cavalry Division 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division 1st Battalion, 35th Armored Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Gulf War Iraq War War in Afghanistan |
| Awards | Defense Distinguished Service Medal (2) Army Distinguished Service Medal (3) Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit (3) Bronze Star Medal |
David D. McKiernan, born on December 11, 1950, is a retired United States Army general. A general with four stars is a very high-ranking officer. He was in charge of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. He also led the United States Forces – Afghanistan (USFOR-A) at the same time. He held these important roles from October 2008 to June 2009.
Before his time in Afghanistan, General McKiernan led the United States Army in Europe. This command, called the United States Army, Europe and Seventh United States Army, lasted from December 2005 to May 2008. Earlier, from 2002 to 2004, he was the Commanding General of the Third United States Army. He also led the Coalition Forces Land Component Command. In this role, he commanded all allied ground forces during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. From 2004 to 2005, he was the Deputy Commanding General for the United States Army Forces Command. This is the army's largest major command.
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates decided that new leadership was needed in Afghanistan. This was part of a new plan from President Barack Obama's administration. General McKiernan was replaced by two other generals. General Stanley A. McChrystal became the new Commander. Lieutenant General David M. Rodriguez became the Deputy Commander for ISAF and USFOR-A.
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Army Career and Leadership
General McKiernan earned a history degree in 1972 from the College of William & Mary. He joined the army as an Armor officer through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps. He also has a master's degree in public administration. This degree is from Shippensburg University.
General McKiernan held many important leadership positions. Here are some of his commands:
- 1st Battalion, 35th Armored Regiment, part of the 1st Armored Division, from 1988–1990.
- 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, from 1993–1995.
- 1st Cavalry Division, from 1999–2001.
- Third United States Army/Combined Forces Land Component Command, from 2002–2004.
- Seventh United States Army/United States Army Europe, from 2005–2008.
- International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and United States Forces – Afghanistan, from 2008–2009.
Experience in the Balkans
In the 1990s, McKiernan gained experience in the Balkans. He worked as a staff officer. In July 1996, he joined the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps. He helped plan operations in both Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Germany. From August 1998 to September 1999, he worked at the Headquarters, United States Army, Europe. During this time, the army was involved in operations in Bosnia, Albania, and Kosovo.
Before these roles, McKiernan served in the VII Corps during the Gulf War. He then worked as a G3 (Operations officer) in the 1st Cavalry Division. This was around 1992–1993. In these roles, he learned to work with officers from other countries.
Leading Forces in Iraq
In 2001, McKiernan worked in the Army's main headquarters. In September 2002, he took command of the Third United States Army. He also became the commander for United States Army Forces Central Command. He then became the Coalition Forces Land Component Commander for United States Central Command. This was in preparation for Operation Iraqi Freedom. In March 2003, General McKiernan led all the ground forces. These forces attacked Iraq to remove Saddam Hussein from power.
After leading the ground forces, McKiernan became Deputy Commanding General. He was also Chief of Staff for United States Army Forces Command. This command is responsible for getting army forces ready for deployment. Then, he commanded the Seventh Army/United States Army Europe. His last assignment was in Afghanistan. He served as Commander of ISAF and United States Forces-Afghanistan. This was from June 2008 to June 2009.
Discussions on Troop Levels
In their book, Cobra II, military historians Michael Gordon and Bernard E. Trainor wrote about General McKiernan. They said he was not happy when the 1st Cavalry Division's deployment was canceled. This division had 17,000 soldiers. It was supposed to go to Iraq as a backup force. But its deployment was stopped in April 2003. This happened after U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld questioned if they were needed.
Before the war, McKiernan got approval for a new war plan. This plan increased the number of ground troops. It was called COBRA II. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, McKiernan had a different view of the war. He saw the Fedayeen Saddam fighters as a big threat. His superior, General Tommy Franks, thought these irregular fighters were less important. The military was also surprised that McKiernan did not lead post-war operations in Iraq. Instead, that role went to V Corps and Lieutenant General Ricardo Sanchez.
Protecting Soldiers in Afghanistan
In a 2008 interview, General McKiernan was asked about working with allies. He was asked if Germany was a difficult ally. This was because Germany had rules about where its soldiers could go in Afghanistan. Their government wanted limits on their soldiers' actions. This was to make sure they followed Germany's constitution.
McKiernan said he understood that countries have their own laws. But as a soldier, he found it hard to understand. He believed soldiers should always have the full ability to protect themselves. This means using information to stop enemies. It also means keeping forces safe. He said this is how you keep soldiers alive.
Awards and Decorations
General McKiernan has received many awards and decorations. These show his bravery and service.
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal (with oak leaf cluster) |
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Army Distinguished Service Medal (with two oak leaf clusters) |
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Defense Superior Service Medal |
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Legion of Merit (with two oak leaf clusters) |
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Bronze Star Medal |
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Defense Meritorious Service Medal |
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Meritorious Service Medal (with three oak leaf clusters) |
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Army Commendation Medal (with three oak leaf clusters) |
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Army Achievement Medal (with two oak leaf clusters) |
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Parachutist Badge (United States) |
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Ranger Tab |
