General James McConville has been confirmed to be the Army’s top officer, Chief of Staff, , a position he said will allow him to ensure the service remains the most lethal and decisive land force in the world. "I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as the next chief of staff of the Army," he said after the announcement. "I look forward to the honor of having another opportunity to lead the Soldiers, civilians and Families serving our nation's Army." A senior aviator who has qualified on several helicopters, McConville was the vice chief of staff under Gen. Mark A. Milley, who has been nominated for chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Prior to his assignments to the Pentagon as the Army's G-1 (personnel) and chief of legislative liaison, McConville was the longest serving commander of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).
"General McConville is an extremely accomplished Army officer and I'm supremely confident in his abilities as the next Chief of Staff," said Secretary of the Army Mark T. Esper. "He has played an instrumental role in almost every major decision the Army has made since becoming the Vice Chief of Staff and is the perfect leader to carry on our mission of preparing the Army for the future." In his hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, the general said he is committed to eradicating sexual assault and harassment among the ranks, reducing suicides, and making sure Families have quality housing, healthcare and childcare. "The Army expects a lot from their Soldiers and Families and really to maximize the readiness of our Soldiers, they must know that the Army is caring for their Families," he said. With 37 years of service, McConville also stressed the Army faces a critical point as it shifts from irregular warfare to great power competition. "We will win by aggressively pursuing our priorities of readiness, modernization, and reform," he told lawmakers. Read more.