U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Joseph Hilbert, commanding general of Eighth Army, salutes Gen. Ronald Clark, commanding general of U.S. Army Pacific, signifying his assumption of command of Eighth Army during the ceremony at Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea, Oct. 23, 2025.

U.S. Army Gen. Ronald Clark, commanding general of U.S. Army Pacific (left), passes the Eighth Army flag to Lt. Gen. Joseph Hilbert, new commanding general of Eighth Army, during an assumption of command ceremony at Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea, Oct. 23, 2025.

The U.S. Army color guard assigned to United Nations Command presents the colors during the Eighth Army assumption of command ceremony at Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea, Oct. 23, 2025. Lt. Gen. Joseph Hilbert became the field army's new commanding general ensuring continuity of purpose and momentum in Eighth Army’s mission to deter aggression, defend the Republic of Korea and uphold peace across the Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Joseph Hilbert, commanding general of Eighth Army, shakes hands with a Korean War veteran at Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea, Oct. 23, 2025. Hilbert assumed command of Eighth Army ensuring continuity of purpose and momentum in Eighth Army’s mission to deter aggression, defend the Republic of Korea, and uphold peace across the Indo-Pacific.

Eighth Army welcomed new commanding general, Lt. Gen. Joseph Hilbert, Oct. 23, 2025. The assumption of command ceremony took place outside of Eighth Army headquarters on Camp Humphreys, South Korea with Soldiers and distinguished guests in attendance.

Hilbert assumed command from Maj. Gen. William Taylor who served as the acting commander since August. The official position of commanding general had last changed in April, when Lt. Gen. Christopher LaNeve was appointed to become the senior military assistant to War Secretary Pete Hegseth. The ceremony was presided over by Gen. Ronald Clark, U.S. Army Pacific commanding general.

Hilbert was the commander of the 11th Airborne Division in Alaska before being nominated by President Donald Trump to lead U.S. Army operations in South Korea. As Eighth Army’s new commanding general, he will oversee six major subordinate commands and direct-reporting units across the peninsula.

During his speech, Hilbert emphasized the significance of the U.S.-ROK alliance and the deeper purpose behind his new leadership role.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Joseph Hilbert, commanding general of Eighth Army, delivers remarks emphasizing his commitment to maintaining Eighth Army’s strength through consistent training and a strong alliance during his assumption of command ceremony at Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea, Oct. 23, 2025.

“Our alliance remains the strength of peace, stability and security on this peninsula and across the Indo-Pacific, and it’s great to be a part of it.” Hilbert said. “Assuming command today is not simply about a continuity of leadership, but it’s about reaffirming our collective purpose to deter aggression, defend the Republic of Korea and remain ready to fight tonight, if called upon.”

A commissioned officer of 32 years, Hilbert has previously commanded the 7th Army Training Command in Germany and was director of Force Development at the Army's Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff in Washington D.C.

Hilbert said he is committed to strengthening Eighth Army’s combat readiness and building the force needed to meet any possible challenges.

“As we in Eighth Army look to the future, my promise to you is that we will remain laser focused on warfighting readiness, building and maintaining the combat power needed for this theatre, and we’ll continue the great work started … building out the Eighth Army of the next 75 years.”

Hilbert reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the partnership between the United States and the Republic of Korea, while emphasizing the importance of supporting the Soldiers, families and communities stationed here.

“We’ll do this along with our allies in the ROK Army and while taking care of and investing in our people and our families and in our communities because this is the assignment of choice for the United States Army.”

During his closing remarks, Hilbert extended his sincere appreciation to the Soldiers of Eighth Army and the Republic of Korea partners he will serve alongside throughout his tenure, as he becomes both commanding general, and chief of staff for Combined Forces Command. The ceremony concluded with the playing of both the Army Song and the Eighth Army Song.

On duty in the Western Pacific since 1944, Eighth Army has served as both a field army and theater army. Eighth Army today stands ready to defend U.S. national interests and those of its allies whenever called upon as U.S Army’s “Pacific Victors.”