Senate confirms new SMDC commanding general

Photo By Command Chief Master Sgt. silvia s maria | Maj. Gen. John L. Rafferty, Jr. was confirmed by the U.S. Senate Dec. 17 for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general and for assignment as the commanding general of U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command. (Official Army photo)  

REDSTONE ARSENAL, ALABAMA, UNITED STATES

12.18.2025

Story by Jason Cutshaw 

U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. – Maj. Gen. John L. Rafferty, Jr. was confirmed by the U.S. Senate for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general and for assignment as the commanding general of U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command.

The promotion and subsequent change of command are currently scheduled for a date to be determined in the spring.

Currently serving as chief of staff, U.S. European Command in Germany, Rafferty brings more than 33 years of leadership and technical experience to the job, particularly field artillery operations and command and staff assignments.

Rafferty’s significant recent assignments include: commanding general, 56th Artillery Command U.S. Army Europe-Africa, Germany; chief of Army Public Affairs, Washington, D.C.; director, Long Range Precision Fires Cross Functional Team, Fort Sill, Oklahoma; executive officer to the director of the Army Staff, Washington, DC; and commander, 18th Field Artillery Brigade, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

He has supported Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Spartan Shield, Inherent Resolve and others.

Rafferty is succeeding Lt. Gen. Sean A. Gainey, who will be retiring after more than 35 years of military service.

For more information, contact the USASMDC Public Affairs Office, Jason B. Cutshaw, [e-mail] [phone].

• Date Taken: 12.18.2025
• Date Posted: 12.19.2025 15:41
• Story ID: 554848
• Location: REDSTONE ARSENAL, ALABAMA, US