Dan Kelly McNeill (born July 23, 1946) is a retired four-star general in the United States Army. He served as Commander, Coalition Forces, Afghanistan from 2002 to 2003 and as Commanding General, U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) from 2004 to 2007. He then served as Commander, International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan from February 1, 2007 to June 3, 2008.[1][2][3][4][5]
Dan K. McNeill | |
|---|---|
 General Dan Kelly McNeill Commanding General, U.S. Army Forces Command | |
| Birth name | Dan Kelly McNeill |
| Born | July 23, 1946 Warsaw, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1968–2008 |
| Rank |  General |
| Commands | International Security Assistance Force U.S. Army Forces Command Combined Joint Task Force-180 XVIII Airborne Corps 82nd Airborne Division |
| Battles / wars | Vietnam War Invasion of Panama Gulf War War in Afghanistan |
| 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) US Army Aviator Badge Special Forces Tab |
According to Eurasianet, McNeill opposed 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]
McNeill was featured in the Academy award-winning documentary Taxi to the Dark Side (2007).[6] The film captured McNeil refusing to admit 'any blunt force trauma' that caused Dilawar's death, despite the fact that the certificate of death had already stated 'Homicide'.
Awards and decorations
editHis awards and decorations included the[7]
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal |
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Army Distinguished Service Medal (with one bronze oak leaf cluster) |
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Defense Superior Service Medal |
 |
Legion of Merit (with four bronze oak leaf clusters) |
 |
Bronze Star (with two bronze oak leaf clusters) |
 |
Meritorious Service Medal (with three oak leaf clusters) |
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Army Commendation Medal (with two oak leaf clusters) |
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Army Achievement Medal |
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Expert Infantryman Badge |
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US Parachutist Badge with combat jump star |
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US Army Aviator Badge |
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Special Forces Tab |
See also
edit
References
edit- ^ Tom Coghlan (2007-02-04). "Taliban forces retake Musa Qala". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on December 12, 2007.
- ^ a b c Ahmed Rashid (February 5, 2007). "Taliban takeover of town could mark start of military offensive". Eurasianet. Archived from the original on June 10, 2007. Retrieved 2007-02-05.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "McKiernan Assumes Command of NATO Forces in Afghanistan". American Forces Press Service. 2008-06-03.
- ^ https://us.imdb.com/title/tt0854678/ Archived 2009-12-25 at the Wayback Machine [user-generated source]
- ^ Official Army Biography