Michael Kurilla
Michael Kurilla | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Official portrait, 2022 | |
| Nickname(s) | Erik, "Gorilla" |
| Born | May 16, 1966 California, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1988–present |
| Rank | General |
| Commands | United States Central Command XVIII Airborne Corps 82nd Airborne Division 75th Ranger Regiment 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment |
| Battles / wars | |
| Awards | Army Distinguished Service Medal (2) Defense Superior Service Medal (4) Legion of Merit (2) Bronze Star Medal (5) Purple Heart (2) |
| Alma mater | |
Michael Erik Kurilla (born May 16, 1966)[1] is a United States Army general who serves as the 15th commander of United States Central Command since April 1, 2022.[2][3][4][5] He previously served as the commanding general of the XVIII Airborne Corps and before that as the chief of staff of the United States Central Command.[6][7]
Biography
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Born in California and raised in Elk River, Minnesota, Kurilla received a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the United States Military Academy, an MBA from Regis University, and a masters degree in national security studies from the National War College.[8] After graduating from West Point, he was commissioned into the U.S. Army as an infantry officer in 1988.[7] During his early career Kurilla participated in the United States invasion of Panama[9] and the Gulf War, as well as operations in Haiti, Kosovo, and Bosnia.[8]
From 2004 to 2014, he was stationed in the geographic area of responsibility of the U.S. Central Command,[8] deploying to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria.[9] In 2005, he deployed to Iraq as the commander of 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division.[3] He was awarded a Bronze Star with "V" device after a battle in Mosul in which he "was shot three times but continued to fire back at insurgents while directing his troops."[3][10][11] He is a former commander of the 75th Ranger Regiment.[9] From 2012 to 2014 he was the Assistant Commanding General of Joint Special Operations Command.[6] He served as commander of the 82nd Airborne Division from 2016–2018 and Chief of Staff of U.S. Central Command from 2018–2019.[6] He assumed command of the XVIII Airborne Corps in October 2019.[7] In 2022, he deployed to Germany to oversee U.S. troop deployments in response to the 2021–2022 Russo-Ukrainian crisis.[12]
Awards and decorations
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Combat Infantryman Badge with Star (denoting 2nd award) |
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Ranger tab |
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Master Combat Parachutist Badge with one bronze jump star |
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Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge |
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United States Central Command Badge |
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75th Ranger Regiment Combat Service Identification Badge |
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French Parachutist Badge |
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75th Ranger Regiment Distinctive Unit Insignia |
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10 Overseas Service Bars |
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References
This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Government.
- ^ "Register of Graduates and Former Cadets of the United States Military Academy". 1991.
- ^ "PN1606 — Lt. Gen. Michael E. Kurilla — Army, 117th Congress (2021-2022)". U.S. Congress. January 5, 2022. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
- ^ a b c Myers, Meghan (January 7, 2021). "XVIII Airborne Corps commander set to be next CENTCOM boss". Military Times.
- ^ "General Officer Announcement". U.S. Department of Defense. January 7, 2021. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
- ^ "Webcast: CENTCOM Welcomes New Commander". DVIDS. April 1, 2022.
- ^ a b c "Lieutenant General Michael E. Kurilla – General Officer Management Office". www.gomo.army.mil.
- ^ a b c "XVIII Airborne Corps hosts change of command, welcomes familiar Fort Bragg leader to the helm". www.army.mil.
- ^ a b c "Chief of Staff, Major General Michael "Erik" Kurilla". United States Central Command. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
- ^ a b c "Battling terrorism in Afghanistan from over-the-horizon is 'extremely difficult,' says nominee to command CENTCOM". Stars and Stripes. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
- ^ Cooper, Helene (January 7, 2022). "Biden Nominates Combat Leader to Head Central Command" – via NYTimes.com.
- ^ Yon, Michael (August 31, 2005). "Gates of Fire". Michael Yon Online. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
- ^ "Biden's pick to lead military in Middle East says U.S. has a 'moral obligation' to help Afghans left behind". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
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- Living people
- Recipients of the Defense Superior Service Medal
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- United States Army generals
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- United States Army personnel of the Iraq War
- United States Army personnel of the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)
- 1966 births
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