Nicholson would succeed Gen. John F. Campbell, who is expected to retire.
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Obama had originally pledged to withdraw all US forces from Afghanistan by the end of 2016, except for a small presence of advisers and attaches at the embassy in Kabul.
The U.S. general nominated to take over as the new top commander of the U.S. war in Afghanistan said on Thursday that security there has deteriorated, and promised a detailed assessment of how many American troops will be needed within 90 days of taking the job.
There are about 9,800 USA troops in Afghanistan.
Jack Reed (D-RI) listen to Lt. General John W. Nicholson Jr., speak during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Capitol Hill, January 28, 2016 in Washington, DC. “I’ve either been deployed to Afghanistan or supported the effort from various duty positions in the United States and Europe”.
“Mick” Nicholson Jr. on Thursday stated that terrorists were on the run and were entering Afghanistan after an operation against them was launched by Pakistan’s military.
His father, John Nicholson Sr., was also an army general, and his uncle, Jim Nicholson, served as the fifth secretary of Veterans Affairs. Senators blasted that plan as unsafe and shortsighted, and peppered Nicholson with questions about the wisdom of a too-small fighting force.
In announcing the Nicholson nomination, Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook quoted Defense Secretary Ash Carter as expressing gratitude for Campbell’s contributions, saying he has helped put Afghanistan on a “better path”.
Nicholson served three tours in Afghanistan between 2006 and 2012.
He commanded the 82nd Airborne Division, re-establishing Global Response Force capabilities, and commands NATO’s Allied Land Command in his current assignment.
“As the security situation in Afghanistan continues to deteriorate, it makes no strategic or military sense to continue the withdrawal of American forces”, said committee chairman Sen.
“He knows what it means to lead a responsive and nimble force, and how to build the capacity of our partners to respond to immediate and long-term threats, and remain adaptable to confront evolving challenges”, Cook said.
Despite having a “tough” year and a large number of casualties, Nicholson praised the Afghani security forces.
Campbell has been the top US commander in Afghanistan since August 2014 and was due to be replaced. But Afghan forces have improved in several areas including aviation.
Nicholson is testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee. He said they do have some shortcomings “that simply take years and years to develop” – such as such as intelligence collection and air support.
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“By now, we should have learned from the precipitous withdrawal from Iraq and the disaster that ensued that wars do not end because politicians say so”, said Mr. McCain, Arizona Republican.
