MCoE CG humbled by promotion

FORT BENNING, Ga., (June 22, 2016) -- Brig. Gen. Eric Wesley, commanding general of the Maneuver Center of Excellence, was promoted to the rank of major general June 20 in the Regimental Room of the Benning Club.

Gen. David Perkins, commanding general of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, praised Wesley during the ceremony.

Perkins emphasized the importance of generals and how only a few can fill the position.

"When we select our general officers, we denote their rank by a star. The stars are in the heavens and they are kind of lighting the way to the future," said Perkins. "The generals, we need you to be looking to the future. We need you to be looking out there as to what could be rather than what is."

Wesley's wife, Cindy, and his daughter, Meredith, pinned the stars on his uniform as part of the promotion ceremony. His son, Austin, presented him with his beret.

Wesley expressed humility for his promotion.

"What I've found is that promotions over time become increasingly humbling and this one is significantly so," said Wesley.

Wesley spoke about the influences of his father, his father-in-law and his friends.

"The Army, no matter how digital we make it, no matter how bureaucratic we may be - is that the Army, first and foremost, is always about people and relationships," said Wesley.

Wesley quoted his father-in-law when he commented on the significance of promotion.

"He said, 'As you get promoted, you need to see this not as an achievement, but you need to see it as an increased opportunity to leverage your rank on behalf of the formation you serve," said Wesley.

Wesley assumed command at Fort Benning March 18. Prior to his position at Fort Benning, Wesley served on the Army Staff as G8, deputy of Program Analysis and Evaluation at the Pentagon.

He is a graduate of the National War College with a master's degree in National Security Strategy, and also holds a master's degree in International Relations from Troy State University.

Wesley's awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Joint Service Commendation Medal. He also has the Combat Action Badge, the Parachutist Badge and the Ranger Tab.