Army personnel chief sworn in as vice chief of staff

Gen. James McConville was sworn in as the Army's new vice chief of staff on Friday.

McConville, who was serving as the deputy chief of staff for personnel, received his fourth star as he replaced Gen. Daniel Allyn, who will retire.

As second in command to Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley, McConville will also oversee the day-to-day operations of the Army.

"It is truly an honor to be selected as the 36th Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army," McConville said in a statement to Army Times. "I would like to thank all of the soldiers, civilians and their families for the sacrifices they make every day as they serve this nation. As I assume this office, readiness, people and modernization will be my focus so we are ready to meet the nation's need when called."

The Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran took over as head of the G-1 office in August 2014 and presided over various changes to the Army, including end-strength reductions and the assignment process.

He was commissioned as an infantry officer after graduating from the U.S. Military Academy in 1981, before transitioning to aviation and qualifying on the OH-58 Kiowa Warrior, AH-64D Longbow Apache, AH-6 Little Bird, AH-1 Cobra and others, according to his official bio.

Before becoming the Army G-1, McConville, a Master Army Aviator, commanded the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, leading the division headquarters on a deployment to Afghanistan. He was also commander of 4th Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, at Fort Hood, Texas, including a deployment to Iraq.

His past staff assignments include chief of the Office of Legislative Liaison, deputy commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division, and executive officer to the vice chief of staff of the Army.

His awards and decorations include two Distinguished Service Medals, three Legion of Merit awards, three Bronze Stars, the Combat Action Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge and the Master Army Aviator Badge.

Reporter Meghann Myers contributed to this report.

Charlsy Panzino covers the Guard and Reserve, training, technology, operations and features for Army Times and Air Force Times. Email her at cpanzino@militarytimes.com.  

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