WASHINGTON ( CNN ) -- As a career military officer , Lt. Gen. Karl Eikenberry is familiar with sacrifice for his country and long stretches away from home . Karl Eikenberry testifies before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee March 26 . But he apparently does n't want any more separation from his wife , Ching Eikenberry . If he is approved as the next U.S . Ambassador to Afghanistan he wants her to come with him . That could collide with State Department rules . Afghanistan is designated `` an unaccompanied post '' by the department because of the dangers of the war and terror attacks . That means family members are not allowed . Sen. John Kerry , D-Massachusetts , who as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee was running Eikenberry 's confirmation hearing last week , was in favor of the idea . `` I know you are hoping to take your wife there with you , and I think I certainly , and I think the committee is entirely supportive , '' Kerry said . `` I think it would be a terrific message and a strong boost of morale for the Embassy , and obviously wherever possible we should try to encourage that . So I hope that will be facilitated . '' Said Eikenberry , `` Mr. Chairman , thank you very much for that support . '' There was no immediate reaction from the State Department .
Karl Eikenberry awaits Senate confirmation to be next ambassador to Afghanistan . If approved , Eikenberry wants to take his wife with him . But that request could collide with State Department rules .