SSI commander nominated to be brigadier general

By SUSANNE KAPPLER, Fort Jackson LeaderSeptember 3, 2009

SSI commander nominated to be brigadier general
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FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Col. Mark McAlister, commander of the Soldier Support Institute, is among 39 colonels nominated by President Obama for promotion to brigadier general Friday.

McAlister took command of the Soldier Support Institute in July.

"It's an incredible honor to be nominated for promotion to brigadier general," McAlister said. "I have been extremely fortunate over the years to serve with some amazing leaders, Soldiers and civilians who have ensured mission success. My nomination for promotion is more a reflection of their collective works and resilience than any personal accomplishment. I am extremely grateful for their service and look forward to the additional opportunity to serve our Army."

A selection board comprising general officers suggests who should be nominated. Once the president signs off on the nominations, they are submitted to the Senate. Promotions of colonels selected to join the general officer ranks are first examined by the Senate Armed Services Committee and then confirmed by the Senate.

McAlister was commissioned as an officer in 1981. Throughout his career, he has served in various positions in the United States, Germany and Korea and was deployed to Rwanda, Albania, Kosovo and Iraq.

Before coming to Fort Jackson, he was assigned to the Pentagon as executive officer to the assistant secretary of the Army (Financial Management and Comptroller) and chief of Plans, Programs and Budget Integration.