KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - Canada's new military commander in Afghanistan arrived Friday in Kandahar, a week after his predecessor was unexpectedly relieved of duties over an alleged affair with a female subordinate.
Brig.-Gen. Jon Vance touched down without fanfare at Kandahar Airfield, where he will lead Canada's 2,800 military personnel in the country until the fall.
Vance was tasked to take over Canadian command in Afghanistan after Menard was accused of engaging in an intimate relationship, contrary to military policy.
Menard's conduct is now the subject of an investigation by the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service.
Vance has served as Canada's top soldier in Afghanistan before, having wrapped up a 10-month tour last November. He will lead the Canadian military until September, when Brig.-Gen. Dean Milner is scheduled to take over.
Vance comes at a pivotal time as NATO launches an offensive aimed at flushing the Taliban out of insurgent strongholds in the midst of the summer fighting season.
He is expected to speak to the media in a few days.
