The former commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell was praised by the Secretary of Defense as he relinquishes his duties as Army Chief of Staff.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said Gen. James McConville worked tirelessly to transform the service to face new threats and to update itself to ensure that soldiers stay ready for any challenge that the 21st century can throw at them.
Gen. McConville has had a key role in the Army increasing its presence in the Indo-Pacific. Secretary Austin said the philosophy of putting people first has been Gen. McConville’s credo throughout his career as chief.
Normally a two-year cycle, General McConville was the longest-serving commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division from 2011-14.
His tenure at Fort Campbell included a deployment to Afghanistan as well as overseeing the division’s first brigade-level Air Assault exercise in 10 years, dubbed Golden Eagle. McConville also ordered the division to increase the rate of Air Assault-qualified Soldiers to 70 percent.
He has served as chief of staff for the Army for the past four years.
Gen. Randy A. George has been nominated to serve as acting Army chief of staff, but his confirmation is on hold.
