Carson sworn in as 20th general counsel of the U.S. Army

By Lt. Col. Rob Manning, PAO for the Under SecArmyMarch 27, 2014

Westphal hosts swearing-in of 20th general counsel of the U.S. Army
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Dr. Joseph W. Westphal, under secretary of the Army, presents the Presidential Commission to Brad R. Carson, the 20th general counsel of the Army, during a formal ceremony at the Pentagon, Feb. 9, 2012. As the general counsel, Carson serves as the l... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Westphal hosts swearing-in of 20th general counsel of the U.S. Army
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The Honorable Jeh Charles Johnson, general counsel of the Department of Defense, administers the oath of office to Brad R. Carson, the 20th general counsel of the Army, during a formal Pentagon ceremony Feb. 9, 2012, as Carson's wife, Julie, holds th... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Westphal hosts swearing-in of 20th general counsel of the U.S. Army
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Prior to the Feb. 9, 2012 ceremony at the Pentagon to swear in Brad R. Carson as the 20th general counsel of the Army, Dr. Joseph W. Westphal, under secretary of the Army, meets with the Carson family. As the general counsel, Carson serves as the le... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

WASHINGTON, Feb. 9, 2012 -- Under Secretary of the Army Joseph W. Westphal hosted a swearing-in ceremony in honor of Brad R. Carson, the 20th general counsel of the Army, in the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon.

"The variety of experience that you bring to the Army is critical as we manage the department through these very challenging times," Westphal said. "Our entire Army will benefit from your intellect and vast legal expertise."

The Honorable Jeh C. Johnson, general counsel of the Department of Defense, administered the oath of office to Carson during a formal Pentagon ceremony. In his remarks, Carson spoke about his appreciation for the opportunity to represent the Army and his commitment to Soldiers.

"I'm humbled to serve in this position and will strive to maintain the faith of the American people and the Department of the Army," he said.

As the general counsel, Carson serves as the legal advisor to the secretary of the Army and the chief legal officer for the United States Army. In addition, the general counsel serves as the Army's Designated Agency Ethics Official. In that capacity, he is responsible for management of the worldwide Army Ethics program.

Carson previously served as a professor of business law at the University of Tulsa. He also served in the United States House of Representatives from 2001 to 2005. On Sep.14, 2011, President Barack Obama nominated Carson to serve as the General Counsel of the United States Department of the Army. The United States Senate confirmed Carson by unanimous consent on Dec.17, 2011.

Carson is an enrolled tribal member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. He and his wife, Julie, have one son, Jack David. Carson's father, Jack Carson, also attended the ceremony.