New general takes command in Afghanistan as Petraeus departs for CIA
John Allen will lead the process of withdrawl by 2014.
New CIA Director Gen. David Petraeus formally turned over command of U.S. and NATO troops to Marine Lt. Gen. John Allen in Afghanistan on Monday.
Gen. Allen, who will lead the transition process as the U.S. and allied forces withdraw by 2014, laid out some "broad priorities" in his first message to the troops now under his command.
Those goals include coordinating with government and security forces in Afghanistan to "set the conditions" for the transition.
Petraeus, who replaced Gen. Stanley McChrystal in the post just a year ago and oversaw the troop surge in Afghanistan, ends his command to take over as CIA director.