Michael Kurilla

Michael E. Kurilla
Official portrait, 2022
Birth nameMichael Erik Kurilla
Nickname(s)Gorilla
Born (1966-05-16) 16 May 1966 (age 58)
California, U.S.
AllegianceUnited States
Service / branchUnited States Army
Years of service1988–present
RankGeneral
CommandsUnited States Central Command
XVIII Airborne Corps
82nd Airborne Division
75th Ranger Regiment
1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment
Battles / wars
AwardsArmy Distinguished Service Medal (2)
Defense Superior Service Medal (4)
Legion of Merit (2)
Bronze Star (5)
Purple Heart (2)
Alma mater
Michael Kurilla's voice
Kurilla's opening statement at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on the FY2024 USCENTCOM posture
Recorded 16 March 2023

Michael Erik Kurilla (born 16 May 1966)[1] is a United States Army general who serves as the 15th commander of United States Central Command since 1 April 2022.[2][3][4][5] He previously served as the commanding general of XVIII Airborne Corps and before that as the chief of staff of United States Central Command.[6][7]

  1. ^ "Register of Graduates and Former Cadets of the United States Military Academy". 1991.
  2. ^ "PN1606 — Lt. Gen. Michael E. Kurilla — Army, 117th Congress (2021-2022)". U.S. Congress. 5 January 2022. Retrieved 19 February 2021.
  3. ^ Myers, Meghan (7 January 2021). "XVIII Airborne Corps commander set to be next CENTCOM boss". Military Times.
  4. ^ "General Officer Announcement". U.S. Department of Defense. 7 January 2021. Retrieved 8 January 2021.
  5. ^ "Webcast: CENTCOM Welcomes New Commander". DVIDS. 1 April 2022.
  6. ^ "Lieutenant General Michael E. Kurilla – General Officer Management Office". www.gomo.army.mil.
  7. ^ "XVIII Airborne Corps hosts change of command, welcomes familiar Fort Bragg leader to the helm". www.army.mil.