DETROIT ARSENAL, Mich. -- Brig. Gen. Michael B. Lalor was promoted to major general at an Aug. 27 ceremony that celebrated his leadership and service.
“Everybody knows Michael is an incredible logistician, incredible leader, disciplined Soldier, but more importantly, a man of character who is committed to treating people with dignity and respect,” said Lt. Gen. Chris Mohan, Army Materiel Command deputy commanding general and acting commander, who presided over the event.
Lalor received his second star in front of the Detroit Arsenal’s Glancy Circle. The audience for the afternoon ceremony included general officers, Senior Executive Service members, Soldiers, Army Civilians, invited guests and Lalor’s wife and children. Several other people, including Lalor’s parents, watched over livestream.
Mohan noted that becoming a major general in the U.S. Army is a rare honor.
“Someone gets here because of their deep experience across the Army, their significant record of service and their proven leadership abilities,” Mohan said. “Because of that high bar, being promoted to major general is a level of trust rarely given. ... We got it 100% right with Michael Lalor.”
Mohan highlighted milestones in Lalor’s career, from his leadership roles in Afghanistan to his disaster relief work in New York City following Hurricane Sandy. Lalor has served as the commanding general of U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) since July 19, 2023.
Mohan said Lalor is well-respected across the Army and has a reputation for driving change. He praised him for leading modernization efforts at critical depots and arsenals, embracing innovation and being at the forefront of advanced manufacturing.
Mohan also said Lalor has helped secure and strengthen the supply chain for the 60% of the Army that TACOM supports.
“Michael’s dedication and strategic approach have been critical in advancing our Army’s readiness and effectiveness,” he stated.
Officers and general officers carry an incredible responsibility, Mohan said. As such, officers are only promoted to major general if they have consistently demonstrated “character, unwavering commitment to excellence, and a proven ability to lead Soldiers, civilians and all of our teammates.”
Following Mohan’s remarks, Lalor’s wife, Michelle, placed the two-star insignia on the front of his uniform. Their two children, Grace and Allan, stood by his side.
Lalor began his speech with an expression of gratitude.
“I stand on the shoulders of all the people who I have served with or taught me along the way,” he said. “And that’s Soldiers, noncommissioned officers, warrant officers, officers, the great civilian workforce, everybody.
“This ceremony is about us. It’s about TACOM. It’s about the organization. It’s not about me. It never was about me, and honestly, as you know, it never will be. It’s ‘team.’ It’s ‘we.’ And I’m going to stay true to who I am.”
Lalor thanked his family and past and present teams, organizations, Soldiers, leaders, commanders and command sergeant majors, saying they will “walk with me forever.” He also had high praise for TACOM.
“It is the best defense community that I have ever served in or with, period, hands down,” he said.
Lalor said TACOM delivers material readiness for the Army every single day.
“We are laser-focused on our workforce, our workload and production, innovating and extending our part of the Organic Industrial Base to the tactical edge of the battlefield like never before,” he said.
“We are committed to excellence, and it is really my honor, every day, to be your commander.”
Lalor also acknowledged his family’s sacrifice and support. He said he is proud of Grace, a high school senior who plans to study chemistry in college, and Allan, a high school freshman who loves baseball and video games.
Lalor recalled meeting Michelle 27 years ago while they were both stationed in Germany. Married for nearly 25 years, Lalor said his wife has been at his side throughout his military journey.
“Michelle has taken care of our Soldiers while I deployed as a company commander, battalion commander, and brigade commander in combat. You helped the AMLC (Army Medical Logistics Command) family during the pandemic. You embraced the duality of my world with enterprise businesses and convergence for three years. Sometimes, I had to change hats in the middle of the living room,” he said.
He added: “We are an Army family if there ever was one. … I love you.”
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