Gen. John Allen acknowledged the endorsement as a "very personal decision." | Getty Retired Gen. Allen endorses Clinton

Retired Marine Gen. John Allen has endorsed Hillary Clinton, the presumptive Democratic nominee's campaign announced Monday.

Allen, a four-star general who led coalition forces in Afghanistan, acknowledged the endorsement as a "very personal decision."


"Through 37 years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps, I saw some of the toughest challenges that our nation faces around the world, and I know that America has the power to meet those challenges. However, it requires continued leadership and engagement in the world, continued partnership with our allies, and a clear understanding of our adversaries," Allen said in a statement released through the Clinton campaign. "It requires patience and a deep comprehension of the international landscape to make smart decisions about when and how to use military force as well as an understanding that other tools of American power such as diplomacy and development aid - that will [keep] armed forces out of harm's way unless it is absolutely necessary. And it requires a leader who wants to understand these complex issues and seek advice and counsel. Hillary Clinton is all of those things."

While noting that he has "stayed out of the political arena" for his "entire adult life," Allen remarked upon "the complexities of issues facing our country today and its longtime allies," adding, "I felt compelled to speak up and be heard. I have no doubt that she is the leader we need at this time to keep our country safe, and I trust her with that most sacred responsibility of Commander-in-Chief."

Allen's endorsement comes on the same day Clinton is scheduled to address the Veterans of Foreign Wars convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, before Donald Trump does the same on Tuesday. Allen himself will address the Democratic National Convention on Thursday.