Marine Gen. John Allen Steps Down, Passes on NATO Command

Less than a month after the investigation into Marine General John Allen’s alleged “inappropriate communications” with Jill Kelley ended, he has resigned from the U.S. military to “address health issues within his family.”

The emails between Allen and Kelley were alleged to be “phone sex over email” by one official.

In total, the investigation required reviewing “20,000 to 30,000 pages of documents–mostly emails–[dated] 2010 to 2012.”

The emails came to light as Allen was on “the short list” for the job of NATO Supreme Allied Commander in Europe. That position requires Senate confirmation, and the alleged nature and number of emails would have made confirmation hearings an uncomfortable proposition.

Investigators cleared Allen of any wrongdoing in late January, but he has decided to go home to family instead of pursuing the NATO position. 

There are conflicting reports as to whether Allen’s decision to retire was entirely his idea or whether he was “pushed out.”