List of United States Army lieutenant generals from 2010 to 2019

2010–2019

Three-star positions, elevations and reductions

There were several developments relating to three-star positions of the United States Army from 2010 to 2019.

• A majority of three-star positions stationed in Iraq were eliminated or relegated below said grade with the end of the Iraq War in 2011 and concurrent withdrawal of combat forces from the country. By December 2011, the two deputy commanding generals of U.S. Forces – Iraq and commander of NATO Training Mission – Iraq had their positions eliminated, leaving the chief of the Office of Security Cooperation (relegated to two-star level by 2015) in an advisory role to Iraqi defense and interior officials.^[96]

• The rank of the vice chief of the National Guard Bureau was raised to lieutenant general in 2012 with the passage of the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act, achieving parity with the directors of the Army National Guard and Air National Guard. Major General Joseph L. Lengyel was subsequently promoted and assumed the role of vice chief on 18 August 2012.^[97][98] This was the fourth three-star billet allocated to the National Guard, the others being the aforementioned ARNG/ANG directors and the deputy commander of U.S. Northern Command.^[ac]

• Allied Joint Force Command Heidelberg (AFC Heidelberg), a three-star headquarters, was deactivated in April 2013.^[100] Lieutenant General Frederick B. Hodges, who became the inaugural commander of LANDCOM in December 2012, assumed the responsibilities of AFC Heidelberg and Allied Force Command Madrid upon their deactivations.^[101]

• The office of the Army Chief Information Officer/G-6 was split into a civilian Army CIO and deputy chief of staff for cyber (G-6) in August 2020. Lieutenant General Bruce T. Crawford became the last commissioned officer to hold the unified position, retiring on 11 August 2020.^[102] Major General John B. Morrison Jr. was confirmed for promotion to lieutenant general^[103] and became the first deputy chief of staff for cyber (G-6) in August 2020.^[104][105]

• The office of assistant chief of staff for installation management (ACSIM)^[ad] was separated from the office of commanding general of the U.S. Army Installation Management Command in November 2015. Lieutenant General David D. Halverson, the last officer to hold both positions simultaneously, relinquished command of IMCOM to Lieutenant General Kenneth R. Dahl.^[108]

• The deputy commanding general for futures of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, dual-hatted as director of the U.S. Army Capabilities Integration Center since 2003,^[109][ae] became the deputy commanding general for futures and concepts of the newly activated U.S. Army Futures Command in December 2018. ARCIC simultaneously became the Futures and Concepts Center.^[110] Lieutenant General Eric J. Wesley, the last deputy commanding general for futures retained the new office until 2020, when he was succeeded by Lieutenant General Scott McKean.^[111]

Senate confirmations

Military nominations are considered by the Senate Armed Services Committee. While it is rare for three-star or four-star nominations to face even token opposition in the Senate, nominations that do face opposition due to controversy surrounding the nominee in question are typically withdrawn. Nominations that are not withdrawn are allowed to expire without action at the end of the legislative session.

• For example, the nomination of Major General Ryan F. Gonsalves for promotion to lieutenant general and assignment as commanding general of U.S. Army Europe was withdrawn in November 2017^[112] after an investigation was launched into the general's inappropriate comment to a female Congressional staffer.^[113] As a result, Gonsalves was administratively reprimanded and retired in May 2018.^{[113][114][115]}

Additionally, events that take place after Senate confirmation may still delay or even prevent the nominee from assuming office.

• For example, Major General John G. Rossi, who had been confirmed for promotion to lieutenant general^[116] and assignment as the commanding general of U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command in April 2016^[117] committed suicide two days before his scheduled promotion and assumption of command.^[118] As a result, the then incumbent commander of USASMDC, Lieutenant General David L. Mann, remained in command beyond customary term limits until another nominee, Major General James H. Dickinson was confirmed by the Senate.^[119]