Nickolas G. Justice

Nickolas G. Justice is a retired United States Army major general who served as the Commanding General of the United States Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC). His career spanned three decades, encompassing key roles in combat operations, Pentagon staff assignments, and leadership in the development and fielding of critical military technologies. Justice is recognized for his expertise in network-centric warfare, command and control systems, and the integration of advanced capabilities for the United States Department of Defense.

Early life and education

Nickolas G. Justice was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and later attended Pennsylvania State University, where he was commissioned as a second lieutenant through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University and later earned a Master of Science in the same field from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. His advanced military education includes attendance at the United States Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth and the National War College in Washington, D.C..

Military career

Commissioned into the United States Army Signal Corps, Justice's early assignments included roles with the 5th Signal Command in Mannheim, Germany. He served during the Gulf War with the 22nd Signal Brigade, supporting VII Corps communications. He later commanded the 86th Signal Battalion at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. Following staff positions at the Pentagon, including with the Office of the Secretary of Defense, he deployed to Afghanistan as the Director of Communications for Combined Forces Command – Afghanistan and to Iraq as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Multi-National Force – Iraq. His flag officer assignments included serving as the Deputy Commanding General of the United States Army Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM) and culminating as the Commanding General of United States Army Test and Evaluation Command at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, where he oversaw the testing of major systems like the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle and Network Integration Evaluations.

Post-military career

Following his retirement from the United States Army in 2015, Justice transitioned to the private sector, focusing on defense technology and consulting. He served as a senior executive for CACI International Inc., a major government contractor, where he led initiatives in cyber security and command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR). He has also served on the advisory boards for several technology startups and contributed to studies for the Center for Strategic and International Studies and the RAND Corporation. Justice is a frequent speaker at events like the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) annual meeting and the Army Aviation Association of America summit.

Awards and decorations

Major General Justice's personal awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, and two awards of the Legion of Merit. His service badges include the Army Staff Identification Badge, the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge. He is also authorized to wear the Combat Action Badge for service in a combat zone. His campaign and service medals encompass those for the Gulf War, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal.

Personal life

Nickolas G. Justice is married and has two children. He maintains an active involvement with his alma mater, Pennsylvania State University, and is a member of the Military Officers Association of America and the Signal Corps Regimental Association. In his personal time, he is an avid outdoorsman and volunteers with organizations supporting veterans, including the Wounded Warrior Project.

Category:United States Army generals Category:Pennsylvania State University alumni Category:Recipients of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal