Brigadier General John King promoted to Major General

Photo By Sgt. Gary Hone | CLAY NATIONAL GUARD CENTER, Georgia, Feb. 9, 2018 — Lauren King pins a major general board on to her father, Maj. Gen. John King, during his promotion ceremony at Clay National Guard Center, Marietta, Georgia February 9, 2018. Maj. Gen. King has just taken command of the U.S. Army North's Task Force 51 which is Army North's contingency command post and conducts a Defense Support of Civil Authority (DSCA), homeland defense and theater security cooperation mission to promote the defense and security of the United States. Georgia Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Gary Hone.  

MARIETTA, GA, UNITED STATES

02.09.2018

Story by Sgt. Shye Wilborn 

Georgia National Guard

CLAY NATIONAL GUARD CENTER, Marietta, Ga., February 9, 2018 – With an audience of Soldiers, friends and family, The Adjutant General of Georgia, Maj. Gen. Joe Jarrard promoted Brig. Gen. John F. King to the rank of major general during a ceremony held on Clay National Guard Center on February 9, 2018.

King was selected to serve as the new commander of U.S. Army North’s Task Force-51, based out of Fort Sam Houston, Texas. King will be responsible for coordinating domestic federal response to disasters that occur nationwide.

“His promotion is bittersweet,” said Jarrard. “Because getting promoted takes him from the Georgia National Guard, but we are excited that someone outside the organization who already knew of his excellence has also seen that and have selected him to fill this critical role.”

This promotion and new assignment allows King to follow his passion and continue to promote readiness within the Georgia National Guard.

“My new assignment with Task Force-51, I could not have thought of an assignment more fitted for my passion,” said King. “Not only serving our local communities but also serving as an Army officer.”

Prior to taking command of TF-51, King filled two positions, serving as the Director of Joint Staff, Georgia National Guard and the deputy commanding general for the Army National Guard at the Maneuver Center of Excellence, Fort Benning, Ga.

As Director of Joint Staff, he managed programs and operations supporting more than 15,000 Soldiers, Airmen and civilians. At the maneuver center, he coordinated, advised and assisted various agencies to include the National Guard Bureau on infantry and armor matters.

King commissioned into the Georgia National Guard in 1985 and has served in multiple troop leading and strategic positions within the organization. King served as a platoon leader, executive officer, company commander, battalion commander, deployed as security force chief of operations and commander of the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, based in Macon, Ga.

King said he received support from so many throughout his 33 year career in the Army. He addressed the general officers and sergeants major attending stating so many of them have had an influence on his career development.

“I will continue to do my very best to perform this duty with honor and humility as a servant leader. I will never forget it’s not about me, it’s about our country and our citizens.”

• Date Taken: 02.09.2018
• Date Posted: 02.28.2018 10:35
• Story ID: 267498
• Location: MARIETTA, GA, US
• Hometown: DORAVILLE, GA, US