Charles H. Jacoby Jr.

Charles H. Jacoby Jr. is a retired general in the United States Army who culminated his distinguished career as the commander of both United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). His extensive service included key command roles during the Iraq War and the War in Afghanistan, as well as leadership of major Army formations in the Pacific theater. Following his retirement, Jacoby has contributed to national security policy through roles in academia and the private sector.

Early life and education

Charles H. Jacoby Jr. was born in Charlottesville, Virginia, and spent his formative years in New Jersey. He received his commission as an infantry officer upon graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1978. He furthered his military education at the United States Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth and the United States Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Jacoby also holds a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.

Military career

Jacoby's early assignments included tours with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg and the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood. He commanded the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division during its deployment to Baghdad in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After serving on the Joint Staff at the Pentagon, he took command of the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, later deploying the division's headquarters to Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan. Promoted to lieutenant general, he commanded I Corps at Joint Base Lewis-McChord and subsequently served as the deputy commanding general of United States Forces – Afghanistan. In 2011, he assumed command of United States Army Pacific at Fort Shafter. His final and most senior assignment came in 2011 when President Barack Obama nominated him for promotion to general to lead both United States Northern Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command at Peterson Space Force Base, a role he held until his retirement in 2014.

Post-military career

Following his retirement from the United States Army, Jacoby joined the private sector, serving as a senior advisor for national security and defense issues. He has been affiliated with the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C., contributing to studies on homeland security and alliance partnerships. Jacoby also serves on the board of advisors for several technology and defense consulting firms focused on cybersecurity and domain awareness. He has testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee on matters pertaining to the defense of North America.

Awards and decorations

General Jacoby's military awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, two awards of the Legion of Merit, and two Bronze Star Medals. He is also a recipient of the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Master Parachutist Badge, and the Ranger tab. His foreign decorations include the Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the Iraq Campaign Medal, among other service ribbons and unit citations.

Personal life

Charles H. Jacoby Jr. is married and has two children. He maintains a residence in Colorado Springs, Colorado, near his final command at Peterson Space Force Base. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys mountaineering and fly fishing. Jacoby is also involved with several veterans' service organizations, including the Association of the United States Army and the United States Military Academy alumni association.

Category:United States Army generals Category:United States Military Academy alumni Category:Recipients of the Bronze Star Medal Category:1954 births Category:Living people