Non -American as Supreme Commander of NATO Allies? It would be « problematic »

« That would put us in a position in which, in a situation of Article 5, we could have a large number of US soldiers under the United States command for the first time since World War I, » the current general of Saceur (Supreme Commander of the Allied forces) told senators, Christopher Cavoli.

Washington-It would be « problematic » for the United States to leave their tradition, that is, to insist that an American not being NATO commander, US senators (members of the US Senate Commission Committee on the US Armed Forces) were opened by General, Head of the Supreme Commander.
« I think that would bring some challenges to the nuclear command and control, » said General Christopher Cavoli, who has a dual function, such as Saceur (Supreme Commander of the Allies) and the head of the US Army European Command (EUCOM), before the US Senate Committee.
« That would put us in a position in which, in a situation with Article 5 (mutual defense), for the first time since World War I could have many US soldiers under the command that is not commanded by the United States. That is why I think that things need to be carefully considered. »
As part of the greater restructuring of the US military’s command chain, the US Department of Defense, among other things, is also considering what Washington has given up on the position it has – at the top of the NATO command chain (it is a position that has always held a four -star NATO)!
A Pentagon spokesman did not respond immediately to the Breaking Dipens media request for an official comment on such thoughts. General Cavoli told senators from the Senate Defense Commission that for the time being « his intention is to expose and explain the potential advantages or disadvantages of a possible change in managing and commanding Saceur », noting that the other decision will « depend on the NATO administration to make the NATO order. (Saceur).  » But he said that « from a military perspective (the cancellation of the top of the NATO Command for Europe (Saceur) is – problematic.
– The United States is maintaining a number of nuclear weapons for possible use by NATO that – under the US agreement and their NATO allies – can be activated by Saceur during conflict or nuclear weapons to be delivered to various NATO countries. There is currently no intermediary involved in the process. It works and for that is the same senior US officer. (The Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces (Saceur) within NATO is now also the commander of the EUCOM – US Command for Europe within NATO).

If Saceur was not an American officer, « we would have to find another way to do it and certainly not be as integrated with the remaining Saceur operations as it is now, » he said, explaining why the US strategic command is more effective and efficient.
« We are capable of being an link in that chain that does it all flawlessly, » General Cavoli said.
General Cavoli’s comments and attitudes were also confirmed by retired Lieutenant General Dan Kane, Trump’s candidate for commander of the Joint General Staff, who was asked about it on Tuesday, during his hearing and answering the question of whether he has a value and advantage to keep an American.
« It is the history of the establishment of Saceur and the association of the Eucom commander, namely a dual role, for efficiency. And I think it is an opportunity for global leadership, especially in Europe, but would again leave the president as he thinks and to make a real political decision, how future policy should look like. »
The questions about the proposed change in the Saceur leadership came from both party parties to the Senatorial Commission (both from Republicans and Democrats): Shahin, D.F., Mazzi Hirono, D-Hawaii, Johnny Ernst, R-Ajova and others, all asked for his position. The withdrawal of Saceur’s work, as well as other changes in combat commands and the cancellation of US forces modernization plans in Japan, are also reportedly considered by the administration.
« We support the president’s efforts (Donald) Trump to provide our allies and partners to increase their contribution to strengthening our alliance structure and supporting the continuation of American leadership » were the unofficial views of the Senate Commission. « We will not accept significant changes in our struggle structure made without a rigorous inter -agency process, coordination with combat commanders and the associated headquarters and co -operation with Congress. Such moves risk undermining US deterrence around the world and reducing our negotiating positions. »

By Valerie Insina, April 3, 2025