Maj. Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli is the Army’s pick to command the mission in Europe, according to a report.
Cavoli, who now leads the Hawaii-based 25th Infantry Division, has been tapped to command U.S. Army Europe, according to a report by Defense News that cited an unnamed defense official.
Cavoli, whose nomination to lieutenant general awaits final confirmation from the Senate, would replace the recently retired Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges.
On Friday, USAREUR Deputy Commander Maj. Gen. Tim McGuire became the Army’s interim leader in Europe until a full-time replacement is assigned.
If confirmed, Cavoli would bring recent experience in Europe to the job. Before assuming command of the 25th Infantry Division in 2016, Cavoli led the 7th Army Training Command in Grafenwoehr, Germany.
The USAREUR mission has been revitalized in the past three years as the military refocuses its efforts on the Continent in response to concerns about a more assertive Russia. After two decades of drawing down, the Pentagon has boosted rotational forces in Eastern Europe and added tanks and artillery.
Cavoli’s past experience includes work on the Joint Staff as director for Russia issues. He is a Russian speaker, according to his Army biography.
