Dunford confirmed to replace Allen as Afghan commander


Gen. Joseph Dunford was confirmed by the Senate Monday evening to replace Gen. John Allen as the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan.


It's still unclear, however, when Dunford will succeed Allen in Kabul.


Allen was nominated at the same time at Dunford to become NATO Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, and the pair were supposed to change jobs next year. But Allen's nomination was placed on hold after he was ensnared in the scandal that brought down former CIA Director David Petraeus.


Allen is under investigation by the Defense Department Inspector General for "potentially inappropriate" e-mails with Jill Kelley, the woman who prompted the FBI investigation that uncovered Petraeus's extramarital affair.


Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said he was keeping Allen in his command during the investigation, but asked the Senate to "expedite" Dunford's confirmation.


The Senate obliged Monday, passing his nomination with a host of military confirmations on a voice vote.
 Dunford is currently serving as vice commandant of the Marine Corps.