Gen. John F. Campbell biography

By U.S. ArmyMarch 12, 2013

General John F. Campbell assumed duties as the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, March, 8, 2013.

As the son of a U.S Air Force Senior Master Sergeant, Campbell grew up on military bases around the world before attending the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. He graduated in 1979 with a commission in the Infantry. During more than 33 years of service, he has commanded units at every echelon from platoon to division, with duty in Germany, Haiti, Iraq, Afghanistan and the United States. After his first assignment with the U.S. Army Europe, Campbell was assigned to Fort Bragg, N.C., where he commanded a Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha in the 5th Special Forces Group, and an Infantry company in the 82nd Airborne Division.

Returning to Fort Bragg, he served as the Aide-de-Camp to the Commanding General, XVIII Airborne Corps, and deployed in support of OPERATION UPHOLD DEMOCRACY. He later commanded 2d Battalion, 5th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division (Light), at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

Campbell commanded 1st Brigade, 82d Airborne Division and led the brigade during OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM. Most recently, he served as the Commanding General, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, KY, and led the division as Combined Joint Task Force 101 during OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM.

Other significant assignments include: Professor of Military Science University of California, Davis; Operations Officer, J-33, the Joint Staff; Executive Officer to the 35th Chief of Staff of the Army; Deputy Commanding General (Maneuver), 1st Cavalry Division and Multinational Division Baghdad; and Deputy Director for Regional Operations, J-3, the Joint Staff; Headquarters, Department of the Army, Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7.

Campbell holds a Bachelor of Science degree from West Point and a master's degree in Public Administration from Golden Gate University. He is a graduate of the Command and General Staff College and the Army War College.

Campbell's awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, two Legions of Merit, three Bronze Star Medals, two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, six Meritorious Service Medals, the Air Medal, the Joint Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Combat Action Badge, the Master Parachutist Badge, the Pathfinder Badge, the Ranger Tab, and the Special Forces Tab.

Campbell and his wife Ann have two children, Jennifer and John Jr.

Related Documents:

Gen. John F. Campbell biography [PDF]