Paul J. LaCamera

Paul J. LaCamera is a general in the United States Army who served as the commanding general of United States Army Pacific from 2021 to 2024. A career infantry and special operations officer, he has held key command positions in the 75th Ranger Regiment, the 4th Infantry Division, and the XVIII Airborne Corps. His extensive operational experience includes multiple combat deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq.

Early life and education

He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and later attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 1985 and receiving his commission as an infantry officer. 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. His academic credentials also include a Master of Arts in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College.

Military career

Following his initial training at the Infantry Officer Basic Course and Ranger School, he was assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division in South Korea. His early career included various roles within light infantry and mechanized units. He later volunteered for and was selected into the 75th Ranger Regiment, serving in multiple leadership positions including company commander within the regiment's 3rd Ranger Battalion. He commanded the 75th Ranger Regiment itself from 2011 to 2013, during a period of high operational tempo in the Global War on Terrorism. Subsequent senior command assignments included leading the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson and serving as the commanding general of the XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg.

Command of United States Army Pacific

In 2021, he was promoted to general and assumed command of United States Army Pacific (USARPAC) at Fort Shafter, Hawaii. In this role, he was responsible for all United States Army forces across the Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility, a critical region for U.S. national security strategy. His tenure focused on strengthening alliances with key partners like Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the Philippines, and enhancing joint readiness through major exercises such as Operation Pathways and Cobra Gold. He worked closely with the United States Indo-Pacific Command headquarters under Admiral John C. Aquilino to ensure Army contributions to integrated deterrence in the region.

Awards and decorations

His personal 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 four awards of the Bronze Star Medal. He is also authorized to wear the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Master Parachutist Badge, the Military Free Fall Parachutist Badge, and the Ranger Tab. His service has been recognized with several unit awards, including the Valorous Unit Award and the Joint Meritorious Unit Award.

Personal life

He is married and has children. Throughout his career, he has been involved in various military community and family support initiatives, particularly during his commands at major installations like Fort Carson and Fort Bragg. His personal interests and community engagements, while kept private, align with a longstanding commitment to the welfare of soldiers and their families within the United States Army.

Category:United States Army generals Category:United States Military Academy alumni Category:Recipients of the Bronze Star Medal