German officer to serve as U.S. Army Europe's chief of staff

[cinco]

Can someone please explain this to me? I'm confused. Shouldn't our US Army Component Commands be under the control of actual US citizen soldiers? Can someone explain exactly what sort of command power this individual holds under the various Component Commands (i.e. Europe, Pacific, etc.)?

http://www.armytimes.com/article/201...-s-chief-staff

A German Army brigadier general who recently served with NATO forces in Afghanistan is assuming duties as the chief of staff of U. S. Army Europe, the first time a non-American officer has held that position.

[Palmguy]

USAREUR is still under the command of an American officer, LTG Campbell.

[El Cid]

Can someone please explain this to me? I'm confused. Shouldn't our US Army Component Commands be under the control of actual US citizen soldiers? Can someone explain exactly what sort of command power this individual holds under the various Component Commands (i.e. Europe, Pacific, etc.)?

Normally a "Chief of Staff" is just that... the person running the admin staff at a headquarters. I don't believe this German officer will be in command of anyone, regardless of nationality. Also, let's not forget we expect military members of various ally nations to be under the command of our generals and admirals pretty much every time a shooting war kicks off. I'd consider it a bit arrogant to assume we can never be under the overall command of them.

[Spurholder]

Totally normal.

III Corps had a Canadian guy as one of the 2-star Deputy Commanding Generals back in the early 2000's.