Randy George

Born and raised in Alden, Iowa, George is the son of Robert and Lorraine George.{{cite news |date=June 16, 1988 |title=Neighbors: 2nd Lt. Randy A. George |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/iowa-city-press-citizen-neighbors/123881728/ |work=Iowa City Press-Citizen |location=Iowa City, IA |page=1C |via=Newspapers.com}} He served as an enlisted soldier before beginning attendance at the United States Military Academy in 1984.{{cite news |last=Marulli |first=Courtney E. |date=July 11, 2008 |title=4th BCT Receives New Leadership |url=https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/17531635/4th-bct-receives-new-leadership-colorado-springs-military- |work=Mountaineer |location=Ft. Carson, CO |pages=1, 4 |ref=Yumpu.com}} 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.

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.{{Cite web |title=Chief of Staff of the Army |url=https://www.army.mil/leaders/csa/bio/ |website=United States Army |access-date=9 July 2024}} {{PD-notice}}

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.

File:GEN Randy George is Sworn in as the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army 230921-A-LW866-1007.jpg

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.{{cite web|last=Shkolnikova|first=Svetlana|url=https://www.stripes.com/branches/army/2023-07-12/army-chief-of-staff-randy-george-senate-10718740.html|title=Gen. George, nominee for Army chief of staff, plans to promote value of service as fix for recruiting crisis|date=2023-07-12|access-date=2023-09-22|website=Stars & Stripes}} 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.{{cite web|last=Gould|first=Joe|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2023/09/21/senate-confirms-george-to-lead-army-bucking-tuberville-logjam-00117394|title=Senate confirms Army and Marine chiefs, bucking Tuberville logjam|date=2023-09-21|access-date=2023-09-22|website=Politico}}

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.{{Cite web |last=Lopez |first=C. Todd |title=Army Chief Nominee Cites Warfighting, Recruiting as Top Priorities |date=12 July 2023 |publisher=U.S. Department of Defense |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3456690/army-chief-nominee-cites-warfighting-recruiting-as-top-priorities/ }} 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.{{Cite web |last=Judson |first=Jen |title=How the Army’s chief of staff plans to modernize the service |date=15 October 2024 |work=Defense News |url=https://www.defensenews.com/land/2024/10/15/how-the-armys-chief-of-staff-plans-to-modernize-the-service/ }}

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."{{Cite web |last=Myers |first=Meghann |title= Army will trim 5% of general-officer jobs in coming years, chief's spokesman says |date=19 December 2024 |work=Defense One |url=https://www.defenseone.com/policy/2024/12/army-will-trim-5-general-officer-jobs-coming-years-chiefs-spokesman-says/401799/ }}

File:Chiefs of Staff of the British Army General Patrick Sanders and Australian Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart participate in a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on 11 March 2024 - 4.jpg in Washington, D.C., 2024]]

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Category:1964 births

Category:Colorado School of Mines alumni

Category:Living people

Category:Naval War College alumni

Category:People from Hardin County, Iowa

Category:Recipients of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal

Category:Recipients of the Defense Superior Service Medal

Category:Recipients of the Distinguished Service Medal (US Army)

Category:Recipients of the Legion of Merit

Category:United States Army generals

Category:United States Army Chiefs of Staff

Category:United States Army personnel of the Gulf War

Category:United States Army personnel of the Iraq War

Category:United States Army personnel of the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)

Category:United States Army Vice Chiefs of Staff

Category:United States Army Command and General Staff College alumni

Category:United States Military Academy alumni

Category:Military personnel from Iowa