# Randy George

Randy Alan George (born 1 November 1964) is a United States Army general who has served as the 41st chief of staff of the United States Army since 21 September 2023, having served in an acting capacity from 4 August 2023. He most recently served as the 38th vice chief of staff of the United States Army from August 2022 to September 2023, and previously served as the senior military assistant to the United States Secretary of Defense.

## Early life and education

Born and raised in Alden, Iowa, George is the son of Robert and Lorraine George. He served as an enlisted soldier before beginning attendance at the United States Military Academy in 1984. George graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1988. He later received a master's degree in economics from the Colorado School of Mines and a master's in international security studies from the Naval War College, before attending the United States Army Command and General Staff College.

## Army career

George commissioned from the U.S. Military Academy in 1988 as an infantry officer. He served as a lieutenant in the 101st Airborne Division and deployed in support of Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Following the Armor Officer Advanced Course in 1993, George was stationed at Fort Carson where he was the assistant operations officer for 3rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division and then commanded C Company and later Headquarters Company in 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment.
In 2001 George went to Italy and served as the executive officer of 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade. He was later executive officer and then deputy commander of the brigade, during which time he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Returning to the 101st Airborne Division in 2004, George commanded 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment and deployed a second time to Iraq. He then went to United States Naval War College as an instructor and then student. He deployed again as part of the initiatives group for the commanding general, Multi-National Corps-Iraq in 2007.
In 2008 George returned to the 4th Infantry Division, where he commanded 4th Brigade Combat Team and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Following command, he was a fellow on the Council of Foreign Relations, chief of the strategic policy division for the Pakistan-Afghanistan coordination cell on the Joint Staff, executive officer to the 33rd Vice Chief of Staff of the Army and then executive assistant to the commander of U.S. Central Command. He then returned to Fort Carson as the deputy commanding general (maneuver) of 4th Infantry Division.
After two staff assignments as the director of force management for the Army G-3/5/7 and deputy director for regional operations and force management in the J-3, George took command of the 4th Infantry Division in June 2017. In this role he deployed again to Afghanistan.
George's most recent command was of I Corps at Joint Base Lewis McChord, after which he served as the senior military assistant to the Secretary of Defense.

### Chief of Staff

George's nomination to be Army chief of staff was among those delayed by Senator Tommy Tuberville's hold over opposition to DoD's abortion policy. Having been confirmed via standalone vote on 21 September, George was sworn in on the same day via phone by Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth while visiting soldiers of the 11th Airborne Division in Alaska.
After becoming the chief of staff he said his top priorities were preparing the Army to fight future conflicts, strengthening the Army profession, and improving recruitment. Initiatives undertaken for the former include improving the Army's ability to counter drone warfare, increasing the range and accuracy of long-range weapon systems, and ensuring that the U.S. industrial base can meet the needs of the Army.
In 2024, he decided to cut 5% of the general officer positions in the Army by declining to fill 12 of the total of 219 positions in the next several years, which were deemed "non-essential."

## Awards and decorations

* Combat Infantryman Badge with Star (denoting 2nd award)
* Senior Combat Parachutist Badge with one bronze combat jump device
* Ranger tab
* Air Assault Badge
* Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge
* Office of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge
* 4th Infantry Division Combat Service Identification Badge
* 12th Infantry Regiment Distinctive Unit Insignia
* 9 Overseas Service Bars
* Defense Distinguished Service Medal
* Army Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster
* Defense Superior Service Medal with three bronze oak leaf clusters
* Legion of Merit with three oak leaf clusters
* Bronze Star Medal with three oak leaf clusters
* Purple Heart
* Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters
* Joint Service Commendation Medal
* Army Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters
* Army Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters
* Meritorious Unit Commendation with four oak leaf clusters
* Army Good Conduct Medal
* National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star
* Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
* Southwest Asia Service Medal
* Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star
* Iraq Campaign Medal with silver campaign star
* Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
* Army Service Ribbon
* Army Overseas Service Ribbon (with award numeral 2)
* NATO Medal for Service with ISAF
* Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia)
* Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait)