Lt. Gen. Tovo assumes command of NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan, Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

04.02.2013

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Sean Weir 

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan - Lt. Gen. Kenneth E. Tovo assumed command of NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan (NTM-A) and Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan (CSTC-A) from LT. Gen. Daniel P. Bolger at a ceremony at Camp Eggers today.

Lt. Gen. Tovo is a 1983 graduate of the United States Military Academy. He holds master's degrees from the U.S. Army War College, and the Army Command and General Staff College. Prior to his new assignment he was commander of Special Operations Command Central in Tampa, Fla. As the dual-hatted commander of both NTM-A and CTSC-A, Lt. Gen. Tovo leads coalition support of the International Security Assistance Force to enable accountable, Afghan-led security by Dec. 31, 2014.

“The coming months will continue to be marked by transition and change especially within this organization,” Lt. Gen. Tovo said. “Functions and processes may migrate to other units; some elements may be downsized or eliminated as their mission ends. But one thing will not change: the nations of NATO and the entire coalition remain committed to assisting [Afghanistan] to continue the build of effective security forces – from the individual soldier and policeman all the way up to the ministerial level.”

Lt. Gen. Bolger had commanded NTM-A / CSTC-A since November 2011 and is planning his retirement from the U.S. Army.

Lt. Gen. Tovo has held operational assignments in Sierra Lione, Turkey, Bosnia, Germany and multiple tours of Iraq. His U.S. awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star.

• Date Taken: 04.02.2013
• Date Posted: 04.02.2013 11:28
• Story ID: 104474
• Location: KABUL, AF