PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Col. Gregory S. Bowen, deputy commanding general for operations, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command, was promoted to the rank of brigadier general in an official ceremony at the Peterson Air Force Base Space Club July 22.
Lt. Gen. David L. Mann, commanding general, USASMDC/ARSTRAT, and officiating officer for the ceremony, said Bowen's promotion to general and his selection as deputy commanding general for operations at SMDC was absolutely the right call.
"He is the right officer for the job, and we're very pleased to have him on the team," Mann said.
"Greg says that his greatest responsibility is to mentor folks, take care of the families, and to make a difference," Mann continued. "And there's no doubt in my mind that he will continue to make a difference in this command."
Following Mann's remarks, Bowen's mother, Yvonne; his wife, Kristin; and their daughter, Carmen, pinned on his new rank. Bowen then took the oath of office administered by Mann. He also received the general officer ensemble of cap, belt and pistol followed by the uncasing of the one-star flag.
Bowen, a Grand Forks, N.D., native, then addressed the crowd gathered.
"It is very humbling for me to be standing up here today, and this is not something that I ever expected to happen to me," Bowen said. "I just wanted to say thanks. I did not get here based on my own talents. I have gotten to this place in my career because of a bunch of Soldiers who have worked extraordinarily hard, who have exceeded all of my expectations, accomplished every mission I ever gave them, and made me look good.
"I got here on the backs of other people, and I appreciate everything that all of them have done for me," he continued. "And a lot of you in this room had a major role in me standing here today, and I thank all of you."
Addressing Mann, Bowen said, "Sir, I am very fired up about being your deputy. I approach this job with a great deal of humility. But if you think I have a few more good miles in me, I'm going to keep on going. I look forward to being your deputy and keeping this command moving forward. Secure the High Ground!"
Bowen assumed the position of SMDC deputy commander for operations June 12. The position was previously held by Brig. Gen. Jeffrey A. Farnsworth.
Bowen enlisted in the North Dakota Army National Guard in 1982. After five years of enlisted service, he was commissioned into the Army National Guard as an Air Defense Artillery second lieutenant, graduating as a distinguished military graduate from the University of North Dakota Reserve Officer Training Corps in May 1987.
His first assignment was in Battery B, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery (Vulcan/Stinger), Grand Forks, where he served as a Vulcan platoon leader, Stinger platoon leader, and subsequently, as executive officer. In 1992, Bowen assumed command of Battery B, 1-188th ADA. After completing command in 1995, he was assigned as the assistant S-3 for 1-188th ADA.
In 1996, Bowen entered the Active Guard and Reserve program, assigned as the full-time training officer and remaining the assistant S-3. In 1998, he became battalion S-3 for 1-188th ADA. In 2000, he was selected for a Title-10 tour at U.S. Army Space Command, serving as a plans officer for the National Missile Defense Program until 2003. From 2003 to 2006, he commanded the 49th Missile Defense Battalion at Fort Greely, Alaska. He then served as chief, current operations (J-30), and chief, future operations (J-35), as well as National Guard Liaison Officer, at U.S. Strategic Command's Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense until 2009. From 2009-2012, he commanded the 100th Missile Defense Brigade (Ground-based Midcourse Defense).
In 2012, he was assigned as the deputy commander-support/senior ARNG advisor to SMDC at Peterson Air Force Base. In 2013, he was selected for promotion to brigadier general.
Bowen is a distinguished graduate of the GMD Operator Course and the Space Operations Officer Qualification Course and is an honor graduate of the Air Defense Artillery Officer Basic Course and the Chaparral/Vulcan Qualification Course. He is a graduate of the U.S. Army Airborne Course, the Air Defense Artillery Officer Advanced Course, the Combined Arms and Services Staff School, the Interservice Space Fundamentals Course, the Joint Military Deception Planners Course, the Special Technical Operations Planners Course, the Command and General Staff Officers Course, Space-300 and the U.S. Army War College.
His civilian education includes a Bachelor of Science in industrial technology and a Master of Science in space studies, both from the University of North Dakota, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.
Bowen's federal awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two oak leaf clusters), Army Commendation Medal (four OLC), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (two OLC), the National Defense Service Ribbon, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon, the U.S Army Space Badge (Master), and the Parachutist Badge. His state awards include the North Dakota Commendation Medal, the Emergency Service Ribbon (two awards), and the Basic Training Ribbon.
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