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.