The White House has nominated Army Lt. Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla to lead the U.S. Central Command. "I can't think of anybody better qualified to lead Centcom's next chapter than ErikKurilla," McKenzie said. Raised in Elk River, Minn., the general holds a bachelors degree in aerospace engineering from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, an M.B.A. from Regis University in Denver, and an M.S. nqn['7n mn pWe6N&vU@4yN^A;k##9[Bkh_AmIBYEJD SKK $&N[e Maj. Katie Lunning of the 133rd Airlift Wing will be the first Air National Guard nurse. He served in the Gulf War and served in Central Command for a 10-year period from. XVIII Airborne Corps hosts change of command, welcomes familiar Fort Bragg leader to the helm, XVIII Airborne Corps' hosts change of command, welcomes familiar Fort Bragg leader to the helm. McKenzie, the outgoing Centcom commander, will retire. The Department of Defense provides the military forces needed to deter war and ensure our nation's security. LaCamera will be promoted to General and assume command of U.S. Army Pacific later this year. "We therefore must remain fiercely, actively engaged in the 21 countries of Central Command," he said. 1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption - Brig. He shared his personal thoughts of the two commanders,. in Aerospace Engineering from the United States Military Academy, West Point; an M.B.A from Regis University; and a M.S. He holds a B.S. Home; Biographies; Privacy; Login And while the Senate Armed Services Committee record specifies only that Kurilla will be assigned to a position of importance and responsibility, reports from the Wall Street Journal and The Associated Press indicate he will take over as commander of CENTCOM if confirmed. If confirmed by the Senate, Gen. Kurilla would succeed Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie, who has led the command since March 2019 and whose tenure is slated to end April 1. General Kurilla previously commanded 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry (Stryker), 2nd Ranger Battalion, the 75th Ranger Regiment, the 82nd Airborne Division, and the XVIII Airborne Corps. QT3cWKDpoDl5 0avB.hp(a Ab:TLT t6o liMK^&l:H(oN|Bn]60 =X$6al!`&i#M|j~3krnb>^fFlC. A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy, Kurilla received his commission as a second lieutenant in May 1988. He also served as chief of. Meanwhile, there are more than 2,000 troops still in Iraq and another 900 or so in Syria as part of the effort to defeat the Islamic State. Gen. Kurilla is one of the most exceptional military leaders I have ever known. The aircraft are being bought as part of a $112 billion accelerated military modernization program Germany launched after Russia invaded Ukraine. Public Use Notice of Limitations: https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright, xviii airborne corps hosts change of command welcomes familiar fort bragg leader to the helm. No American troops were killed in the strikes, but defense officials have said a series of recent attacks could be related to the anniversary of the Trump administrations assassination of Irans top military commander, Qassim Suleimani, in January 2020. The results were eerie. He is currently the commander of the Armys 18th Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. He would be promoted to four-star general. White House Nominates Airborne Officer to Lead Central Command. Throughout his career, he has led Airborne, Mechanized, Stryker, Ranger and Joint Special Operations units during combat and operational deployments including Operation Just Cause (Panama), Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm (Saudi Arabia/Iraq), Operation Uphold Democracy (Haiti), Operation Joint Guardian (Kosovo-Macedonia), Operation Joint Resolve (Bosnia-Herzegovina), Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq), Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), and Operation Inherent Resolve (Iraq). That means doubling down on security cooperation. The next leader of U.S. Central Command has reportedly been identified. Steep taxes and heavy regulation are making it hard for licensed pot sellers to operate in some states, driving more producers and buyers to illegal outlets. The Feds vice chair for supervision said supervisors didnt fully appreciate the extent of the vulnerabilities as SVB grew in size and complexity. Lt. Gen. Michael "Erik" Kurilla's wife Mary Paige and daughter, Sophie, video chat with Michelle, Kurilla's other daughter, who could not attend his promotion ceremony or change of command at the main post flagpole on Fort Bragg, N.C., October 7, 2019. A gusher of cash and a richly priced stock could steer the supermajor toward a deal. At the same time, though, officials have said the militarys task of countering terror threats from the region is far from finished. News Corp is a global, diversified media and information services company focused on creating and distributing authoritative and engaging content and other products and services. Lt. Gen. Michael E. Kurilla would take over as the United States tries to conduct operations in Afghanistan from afar. The commander of the 35th Signal Brigade at Fort Gordon, Georgia, was fired Monday, according to an Army spokesman. 2 0 obj General Kurilla, if confirmed, would replace Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., whose tenure is set to end this spring. In addition to command assignments as a General Officer, General Kurilla served as the Director of Operations and Assistant Commanding General for Joint Special Operations Command, Deputy Commanding General for the 1st Infantry Division, Joint Staff Deputy Director for Special Operations and Counter-Terrorism, and Chief of Staff for U.S. Central Command. "(Lt.) General Kurilla is the exact and right leader to lead this corps through its next chapter.". The administration on Wednesday nominated Army Lt. Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla to lead the military's Central Command, according to U.S. officials and congressional records. The White House on Wednesday nominated Army Lt. Gen. Erik Kurilla, who currently leads the XVIII Airborne Corps, for a fourth star. The objects in this collection are from The U.S. National Archives and Defense Visual Information Distribution Service. Gen. James F. Amos, commandant of the Marine Corps, Mary Kidd-Plumer (right), along with her husband and, Mrs. Marielena Mendoza, wife of Pfc. The administration on Wednesday nominated Army Lt. Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla to lead the militarys Central Command, according to U.S. officials and congressional records. U.S. Prior to that, Kurilla worked as chief of staff for Central Command. Two dozen Airmen at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., were officially awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross on Dec. 9 for their heroism in the noncombatant evacuation out of Kabul, Afghanistan, including the first ever Critical Care Air Transport Team to receive the prestigious decoration. W\t For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact Chief of Staff, United States Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. In Tampa, Florida, today, Marine Corps Gen. Kenneth Frank McKenzie Jr. passed command of U.S. Central Command over to Army Gen. Michael ErikKurilla, who at one time served as the command's chief of staff. "We begin another chapter in the rich history of the XVIII Airborne Corps," said Gen. Michael X. Garrett, commanding general of U.S. Army Forces Command, who presided over the ceremony. General Kurilla is a combat-tested commander, having been wounded in a 2005 gun battle during the Iraq war in the city of Mosul when he was a battalion commander. He's not at all a linear thinker. Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, Lt. Gen. Michael Erik Kurillas wife Mary Paige and, Public Domain Dedication. General Kurilla and his wife Mary Paige have two daughters. If confirmed by the Senate, Kurilla will inherit a CENTCOM in transition. Michael Erik Kurilla (born May 16, 1966)[1] is a United States Army lieutenant general who serves as the Commanding General of the XVIII Airborne Corps. Army Special Ops Command welcomes first female command sergeant major. American leadership in Centcom, he said, can prevent regional threats there from threatening both U.S. interests and the U.S. homeland. Corps leadership, CJTF-OIR, the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Iraqi Security Forces completed the territorial defeat of Daesh on March 23, 2019. Officials said Kurilla, commander of the 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, was shot in the arm and leg and suffered a broken leg. General Michael Erik Kurilla is from Elk River, Minnesota and commissioned into the Infantry from the United States Military Academy, West Point in 1988. "It's quite literally the crossroads between Europe, Asia, and Africa. Hundreds of guests were in attendance-to include former corps senior leaders along with senior military leaders from around the globe-to witness the tradition of passing of the colors from the outgoing to the incoming commander. Along with his nomination, he is being promoted to general from lieutenant general. General Kurilla was also commander of the 82nd Airborne Division, one of the Armys most battle-tested units. He rose through the ranks, with stints as chief of staff to the head of the militarys Central Command at the time, Gen. Joseph L. Votel, and assistant commanding general and director of operations at the Joint Special Operations Command. Kurilla's family were later given yellow roses as a welcome to the XVIII Airborne Corps. Though the mission is purely in support of the Iraqi military, U.S. troops in Iraq continue to face attacks by Iran-backed militia groups. The stock was temporarily halted for volatility before it closed down 43% at around $3.50 a share. Outgoing commander of the XVIII Abn. General Kurilla and his wife Mary Paige have two daughters. mm\lV*rKZ!s5hfKL LaCamera relinquished co Finance Sergeants Major Gain Insight and Discuss Initiatives at the Pentagon, Fort Bragg set to host first-ever US Army Best Squad Competition, Department of the Army updates Total Army COVID-19 vaccination statistics, U.S. Army STAND-TO! "Centcom is truly critical to the security of our nation, and really to the stability and security of the entire world," Milley said. He has guided Centcom, and by extension the nation, through some of our most tough times, and he always did it with honor, integrity, tact, competence, humility, operational skill, and on occasion, a bit of humor," Milley said. President Joe Biden has nominated Army Lt. Gen. Erik Kurilla to head U.S. Central Command and be promoted to four-star general, according to multiple U.S. officials. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said running Centcom and its mission is one of the most demanding jobs in the Defense Department. When it comes to deepening partnerships and forging new ones Centcom is getting it done.". Gen. Bernard Arnault says that under LVMH, profits have doubled at the American jeweler, which reopened its flagship store this week. Brown gave the award to Tech. While Lt. General Kurilla is honored by the nomination to serve as commander of U.S. Central Command, he is not presuming confirmation and remains solely focused on his present responsibilities in command of the XVIII Airborne Corps, Col. Joe Buccino, a spokesman for General Kurilla, said in a text. Were going to stay in Iraq, says top US Middle East commander, U.S. troops in Iraq continue to face attacks, US report shows China taking steps toward space dominance, Biden to allow Afghans to stay longer in US, sources say, Michigan expands absentee voting for military members, Some companies charge hefty fees to help vets with disability claims, USS George Washington returning to Japan next year, Your next tech and incoming AI | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 4.28.2023, Home Improvement Loans What are my options? Kurilla most recently served as Chief of Staff of U.S. Central Command. Kurilla takes command of the Corps during its 75th anniversary year as America's Contingency Corps. Kurilla, then a Stryker battalion commander with the 25th Infantry Division, was shot three times but continued to fire back at insurgents while directing his troops. The nomination was first reported by The Wall Street Journal and confirmed by The Hill.. ;_uouuN'4 Money Minute, What's next for experimental AI projects in the C4ISR sphere. In Tampa, Florida, today, Marine Corps Gen. Kenneth Frank McKenzie Jr. passed command of U.S. Central Command over to Army Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, who at one time served as the command's. Kurillas nomination comes as current CENTCOM commander Marine Corps Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr. is set to retire in the coming months. In addition to command assignments as a General Officer, General Kurilla served as the Director of Operations and Assistant Commanding General for Joint Special Operations Command, Deputy Commanding General for the 1st Infantry Division, Joint Staff Deputy Director for Special Operations and Counter-Terrorism, and Chief of Staff for U.S. Central Command. "Partnerships are especially important because of China and Russia's ambition in the region," Austin said. "It's only fitting now that he's returned to Tampa to command the joint forces premier combatant command," McKenzie said. 4 0 obj Prior to that assignment he. in Aerospace Engineering from the United States Military Academy, West Point; an M.B.A from Regis University; and a M.S. Central Command is also responsible for the Middle East, including Iraq and Syria, where military bases housing American troops were attacked on Wednesday. Army Lt. Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla has been nominated for a fourth star by President Joe Biden, according to Congressional records. It's something he said Centcom is focused on a credit to McKenzie, who served as the commander of Centcom for three years now and a challenge to Kurilla who now assumes responsibility. Shares finished at fresh lows after the embattled lender on Monday reported a worse-than-expected drop in customer deposits last month. https://www.wsj.com/articles/white-house-nominates-airborne-officer-to-lead-central-command-overseeing-operations-in-middle-east-11641495701. Gen. Michael E. Kurilla, Deputy Commanding General (Maneuver), 1st Infantry Division, delivers a speech during a victory with honors ceremony at 1st Inf . LK|pOvdASh D.,UEu"b" |s\ {0}(f'k#zw U@eF0V18 L=`8J4m#'.D{ZG`InK}G+q>$S#'J]=ey 3q2?bXBYobiRKAi"QOAr%3ZP~716k$y%q6gv"Mb$V>,&(%J)G]pP[U\%qn0HEg The Defense Visual Information Distribution Service provides a connection between world media and the American military personnel serving at home and abroad. He also spent every year from 2004 to 2014 in the CENTCOM area of responsibility, commanding forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to his official bio. Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Remarks at U.S. Central Command Change of Command (as delivered). Lt. Gen. Michael "Erik" Kurilla took the reigns as the new commanding general of the XVIII Airborne Corps following his promotion earlier that morning. It means allowing our partners even deeper into our training and our exercises, and it means continuing to be a credible and dependable friend. He said he's proud now to have his name listed among those who have led Centcom for the last 40 years including the likes of Army Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf Jr., Marine Corps Gen. Jim Mattis, Army Gen. John Abizaid, Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, Army Gen. Lloyd Austin, and Army Gen. Joseph Votel. <>/Font<>/XObject<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> If confirmed by the . There are areas of great suffering, abuse and human misery.". Biden Nominates Combat Leader to Head Central Command, https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/07/us/politics/biden-military-kurilla.html. Dow Jones Reprints at 1-800-843-0008 or visit www.djreprints.com. In recent days, CENTCOM has had to repel drone strikes and destroy a rocket site, presumably belonging to Iranian-backed militias. Kurilla currently serves as commander of the 18th Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg, N.C.the Corps deployed thousands of Soldiers to Afghanistan this past summer as part of the evacuation process. Get your daily fix of Air Force news delivered right to your inbox every day. Our best days are ahead of us.". Erik, I'm proud to pass the guidon to you.". In 2005, Kurilla, then a lieutenant colonel, was wounded in Iraq during a firefight. Though the U.S. presence on the ground in Afghanistan ended in August, the Pentagon has promised that operations against ISIS will continue there, in the form of over-the-horizon strikes. It is where we fight terrorists who threaten our citizens, and it is where we work with our partners to confront instability from Iran and its proxies," Austin said. Lt. Gen. Michael "Erik" Kurilla takes the XVIII Airborne Corps colors from Gen. Michael X. Garrett during the XVIII Airborne Corps Change of Command Ceremony Fort Bragg, N.C., Oct. 7, 2019. Previously, he served as the Chief of Staff of the United States Central Command. Throughout his career, he has led Airborne, Mechanized, Stryker, Ranger and Joint Special Operations units during combat and operational deployments including Operation Just Cause (Panama), Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm (Saudi Arabia/Iraq), Operation Uphold Democracy (Haiti), Operation Joint Guardian (Kosovo-Macedonia), Operation Joint Resolve (Bosnia-Herzegovina), Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq), Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), and Operation Inherent Resolve (Iraq). Anyone can read what you share. "He's no stranger to the Centcom AOR. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark A. Milley said the Centcom area of responsibility is a part of the world nearly every person now in uniform has visited in their career the U.S. was at war there in Afghanistan and Iraq for 20 years. Choose which Defense.gov products you want delivered to your inbox. Germany has formally signed on to buy 35 F-35s, which will begin delivering in 2026. Centcom, he said, must participate in ensuring that global trade can continue in the region, and must also ensure that threats there don't develop the capability to harm the U.S. homeland. With a reduced troop presence, officials have said they plan to rely on over the horizon capabilities to monitor terror threats. Army Lt. Gen. Michael "Erik" Kurilla, the commander of the XVIII Airborne Corps, recommended 2nd Lt. Nathan Freihofer for separation after an investigation into his TikTok post on Aug. 28 about. U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. cHtKB`Q UUEZat:0x!5)[v4Ha)*E7@H4l>6Y:W)CoL1*) ]>m1%pkejWmaPX^dAI\Ao$^?^o*%E;* 4_jfc27R&XC In general, under section 105 of the Copyright Act, such works are not entitled to domestic copyright protection under U.S. law and are therefore in the public domain. The world's energy supplies come through the Centcom AOR.". General Officer Management Office. Copyright 2023 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This article incorporatespublic domain material from websites or documents of the United States Government. The chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan has largely consumed Central Command over the past year. F\4]HbrZm.9^c*%,a~uO-FinBya "Our adversaries are poised to capitalize on any opportunities that emerge we must not grant them any.". The . %PDF-1.7 in National Security Studies from the National War College. Gen. Michael E. Kurilla, who heads U.S. Central Command, said in a statement: "Such indiscriminate and illegal attacks place civilians at risk, violate Iraqi sovereignty, and jeopardize the hard . Lt. Gen. Michael Kurilla, nominee to be commander of U.S. Central Command, testifies during a Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing on Feb. 8. Maj. Gen. Corey Martin, commander of the, Air Mobility Command boss Gen. Mike Minihan awarded 51 Distinguished Flying Cross awards at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., on Nov. 21one of the largest DFC ceremonies in recent history. If confirmed . General Kurilla previously commanded 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry (Stryker), 2nd Ranger Battalion, the 75th Ranger Regiment, the 82nd Airborne Division, and the XVIII Airborne Corps. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III passes the guidon of U.S. Central Command to Army Gen. Michael Eric Kurilla, April 1, 2022. Kurilla was born and raised in Minnesota, and he's a 1988 graduate of West Point, according to his biography. LaCamera recently completed a tour as commander of Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve. All of the awards were given to Airmen who participated in Operation Allies Refuge, the noncombatant evacuation out of Kabul, Afghanistan,, An Airman who rushed to help in the aftermath of the suicide bombing in Kabul, Afghanistan, during Operation Allies Refuge received the Distinguished Flying Cross on Nov. 17with Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. He is the highest-ranking officer in Fort Lewis' second Stryker brigade to be seriously wounded in Iraq. He earned a Bronze Star with valor device for his actions. [2] [3] [4] [5] References Wikimedia Commons has media related to Category:Michael E. Kurilla. After assuming command of Centcom, Kurilla discussed some of the challenges he knows await him in one of the most dynamic regions of the world. Gen. Erik Kurilla, now head U.S. Central Command, gives a speech at the 101st Airborne Division change of command, March 5, 2021, at the division parade field, Fort Campbell, Ky. (Spc. Privacy & Security Inspector General FOIA Privacy Act, An official website of the United States government, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. A blistering, 148-page document by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) found that Afghan, A Minnesota Air National Guard flight nurse who responded to a deadly suicide bombing in the midst of the Afghanistan evacuation in August 2021 is set to receive the Distinguished Flying Cross on Jan. 7. Michael Lesterick carries an Afghan evacuees luggage as they board a plane at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Sept. 1, 2021. Meghann Myers is the Pentagon bureau chief at Military Times. Lt. Gen. Michael E. Kurilla at Fort Campbell, Ky., last year. "My vow to the more than 90,000 service members of the XVIII Airborne Corps is that I will lead by example, courage, empathy and honor," Kurilla said. Partnerships in Centcom, Austin said, are critical. Not developed or endorsed by NARA or DVIDS. Col. Matt Foulk was relieved by Lt. Gen. Erik Kurilla, commanding general. He previously served as commanding general of the 82nd Airborne Division from 2016-2018. The White House issued its account of the decisions that preceded the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, as Congress is moving to investigate the Biden administrations policy making on that crisis. Sgt. About Us Command Priorities Leadership Component Commands History Posture Statement : Area of Responsibility CENTCOM Coalition : Operations And Under XVIII Abn. The 12-page summary, which was issued April 6, blames the Trump administration for putting the U.S. in a weakened, The U.S. created an Afghan air force that was too technologically advanced for its native country to sustain, then pulled the rug out from under it, according to a U.S. government inspector general report. Our No. -!C%Ul_bU7D-i-%-)JWY$1LHruWU^i)0 In withdrawing American troops from the 20-year war there last year, Mr. Biden determined that the United States new strategy would be to use drone and other strikes from afar, or over the horizon, to quell any such threats that arise in Afghanistan. Kurilla previously commanded the 82nd Airborne Division and served as CENTCOMs chief of staff. Brigadier General Michael E. Kurilla is the Deputy Director for Special Operations and Counter-Terrorism, J-37 at the Joint Staff. Articles incorporating text from public domain works of the United States Government, Articles incorporating text from Wikipedia, Recipients of the Defense Superior Service Medal, Recipients of the Distinguished Service Medal (US Army), United States Army personnel of the Gulf War, United States Army personnel of the Iraq War, United States Army personnel of the War in Afghanistan (20012021), Graduates of the United States Military Academy Class of 1991, "Register of Graduates and Former Cadets of the United States Military Academy", https://books.google.com/books?id=xXreAAAAMAAJ&q=%22Leopoldo+Aquino+Quintas%22, "Lieutenant General Michael E. Kurilla General Officer Management Office", https://www.gomo.army.mil/public/Biography/usa-8164/michaele-kurilla, "Chief of Staff, Major General Michael "Erik" Kurilla", http://plainsguardian.dodlive.mil/ABOUT-US/LEADERSHIP/Bio-Article-View/Article/1627071/chief-of-staff-major-general-michael-erik-kurilla/, "XVIII Airborne Corps hosts change of command, welcomes familiar Fort Bragg leader to the helm", https://www.army.mil/article/228288/xviii_airborne_corps_hosts_change_of_command_welcomes_familiar_fort_bragg_leader_to_the_helm, http://www.dvidshub.net/news/346457/xviii-airborne-corps-hosts-change-command-welcomes-familiar-fort-bragg-leader-helm, Commanding General of the 82nd Airborne Division, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. And the passing of command from McKenzie to Kurilla represents a continuation of that leadership. He is also a legend in the Army for a 2005 firefight in Iraq chronicled by journalist Michael Yon. The Senate Armed Services Committee notice says only that Kurilla . [Assignment: 48-DPA-N_Jr_Duck_4-20-06] Federal Junior Duck Stamp Contest event [at Main Interior, with Acting Secretary P. Lynn Scarlett among the Interior officials on hand] [48-DPA-N_Jr_Duck_4-20-06_DOI_3086.JPG], Students celebrate after graduating from Maine Maritime, Secretary of Defense Ash Carter hosts an honor cordon, 170317-N-FV739-071 General Michael Erik Kurilla is from Elk River, Minnesota and commissioned into the Infantry from the United States Military Academy, West Point in 1988. He oversaw the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan after 20 years of war, culminating in the August evacuation that ended with 13 service members dying from an ISIS suicide bomb attack. But General Kurilla will also have to keep track of Iran, where stumbling efforts to revive the nuclear accord negotiated by President Barack Obama and abandoned by his successor, President Donald J. Trump, have led to increased tensions. He has served with distinction at every stage of his career and is the perfect choice to lead Central Command. U.S. forces shot down armed drones headed for the Baghdad area on both Monday and Tuesday. Disclaimer: A work of the U.S. National Archives and DVIDS is "a work prepared by an officer or employee" of the federal government "as part of that person's official duties." Corps, Lt. Gen. Paul J. LaCamera, relinquished command after being at the helm for 21 months of the nation's Contingency Corps - charged with deploying anywhere in the world on short notice. [8] ~[uhk96e4$Co_(`(w,!Wcl4*3V!8BB{htF4gkHStq9/[:uK9DGg4}}K8Rm/ 658c}EZSI7PP7+D}|q(1[4Hi{tWgNq1/6ru]sGiRj. He participated in the Panama invasion and the Gulf War, and was stationed in Korea. Born in California and raised in Minnesota, Gen. Kurilla graduated from the U.S. Military Academy, served in the Gulf War, and was a battalion commander in Mosul, Iraq where he was shot. General Kurilla spent every year from 2004 - 2014 leading conventional and special operations forces in the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility.