The 40th Chief of Staff of the Army (CSA)

Gen. James C. McConville

 

Responsibilities

  • McConville is principal military advisor and deputy to the Secretary of the Army. Appointed in August 2019, he replaced Gen. Mark Milley, now chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
  • The CSA is the Army’s highest-ranking officer. He presides over Army staff while representing its capabilities, policies, and programs. The CSA designates personnel and resources to the commanders of the Unified Combatant Commands.
  • A member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, McConville advises the National Security Council, the Defense Secretary and the president.

Military Career

  • Army Vice Chief of Staff under General Milley. Oversaw day to day Army operations.
  • Helped develop the Army Futures Command’s cross-functional teams in charge of revamping the Army acquisition process (2017-2019).
  • Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army (2014-2017).
  • Led the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) on multiple combat tours, becoming the longest-serving division commander in Army history.
  • Commanded the 4th Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. His aviators played a pivotal role in the battle of Fallujah in Iraq.
  • Commanded the 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). Commanded C Troop, 2nd Squadron, 9th Cavalry regiment, 7th Infantry Division (Light).
  • Oversaw the Army’s G-1 (personnel) and legislative liaison offices.
  • Commissioned an Army aviation officer in 1981.
  • A master Army aviator, McConville is qualified in the OH-58 Kiowa Warrior, the AH-64D Longbow Apache, and the AH-1 Cobra, among other aircraft.

Background

 

Education

  • Military Academy at West Point (1981).
  • Georgia Institute of Technology – Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering. (Played on Georgia Tech’s hockey team.)
  • Harvard University (2002), National Security Fellow.

Personal

  • Born James Charles McConville on March 16, 1959, in Quincy, Mass. His father, Joe McConville, served in the Korean War as a sailor. Employed at the Boston Gear factory.
  • Married for more than 30 years to Maria McConville, an Army veteran and registered dietitian who has maintained her 25-year professional license despite more than 18 moves, calling relocation “an opportunity”.
  • Three children, all Army officers.
  • General Milley said of his replacement, “Jim’s blend of battlefield experience, both in the Middle East and in Washington, made him the perfect officer to take over as chief.”

Awards

  • A decorated helicopter pilot, McConville is the first aviator to serve as Army Chief of Staff.
  • Earned the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, among others.