AUSTIN, Texas – Gen. John M. Murray, commanding general of Army Futures Command, is retiring after nearly 39 years of service as a military officer, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated and impactful leadership.
Murray played a vital role in conceptualizing and launching Army Futures Command, which opened its doors in 2018, the same year Murray was selected to receive his fourth star.
As the command’s very first commanding general, Murray led efforts to harness insights from tech sector innovators, academic researchers and numerous other thought leaders to inform and advance Army modernization.
His leadership paved the way for an ongoing transformation that will ensure Army competitiveness for years to come, and his leadership style highlighted the critical importance of intentional and unflagging focus on achieving ambitious outcomes.
“In my experience, not every leader, even really great leaders, are cut out for the challenge of establishing and leading an entirely new organization,” said Secretary of the Army Christine E. Wormuth.
“It takes a person with vision and entrepreneurial spirit to succeed in this kind of role, and I think the Army has been enormously fortunate to have Gen. Murray as Future Command’s first commanding general.”
“He was absolutely the right leader at the right time,” added Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. James C. McConville.
In preparing to depart the command, Murray reflected fondly on his years as an officer and the many outstanding Soldiers and civilians who made his time with the Army memorable and rewarding.
“It’s been an incredible journey,” said Murray. “I wouldn’t trade a day of this for anything in the world.”
“As I transition into the civilian world, it’s the stories of your sacrifice, your dedication and your passion that I will be passing on as a Soldier for life,” he added.
Murray joined the Army in 1982 as an infantry officer after graduating from The Ohio State University on an ROTC scholarship.
His first assignment was in Panama, and went on to serve in multiple command positions around the globe, including as commanding general of Joint Task Force-3; deputy commanding general of support for U.S. Forces in Afghanistan; commander of Bagram Airfield; commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart; commander of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood; commander of the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division at U.S. Army Europe and Seventh Army Germany; and commander of C Company, 1-12th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized) at Fort Carson, Colorado.
Murray also fulfilled various deputy and director roles at the Pentagon, at domestic bases and overseas, including during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
During his career, Murray earned numerous awards and decorations, including the Distinguished Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Defense Superior Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Legion of Merit with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Bronze Star Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. He also holds a Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge and Air Assault Badge, among other designations.
Following his retirement, Murray plans to spend time with his wife, Jane, three children, eight grandchildren and extended family in his home state of Ohio before embarking on a new set of adventures, this time as a civilian.
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