On March 25, 2025, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the appointment of US Army Lt. Gen. Christopher LaNeve as his senior military assistant. LaNeve, who has had a distinguished military career, will be promoted to the grade of lieutenant general and will serve as the highest-ranking commissioned officer in the Department of Defense, acting as the primary military advisor to Hegseth.
In his new role, LaNeve will be responsible for assisting the Secretary of Defense in implementing decisions, providing military advice, and overseeing uniformed military matters. His appointment is significant not only due to his rank but also because of his extensive and varied background in military leadership, which makes him highly qualified to guide defense strategies at the highest level.
LaNeve’s Military Background
LaNeve, a graduate of the University of Arizona in 1989, was commissioned into the US Army as an Infantry officer in May 1990. His early career included assignments to Fort Ord, where he served in the 4th Battalion, 21st Infantry, 7th Infantry Division.
Throughout his career, LaNeve’s leadership and experience steadily advanced, earning him multiple key roles in military operations across the globe.
Most recently, LaNeve served as the commanding general of the Eighth Army and chief of staff for the Combined Forces Command in the Republic of Korea. In this position, he played a critical role in the US military’s mission to defend the Korean Peninsula in cooperation with South Korean forces.
LaNeve took command of the Eighth Army in 2024, reinforcing the US-South Korea alliance and enhancing military readiness in the region.
LaNeve salutes Soldiers during the Eighth Army change of command ceremony at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, April 5, 2024. (DVIDS)
In addition to his time in South Korea, LaNeve has an extensive history of leadership in combat zones. He has served multiple tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, where he was instrumental in leading troops through some of the most challenging military operations.
Notably, LaNeve also commanded the division in Poland during the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, where he was responsible for guiding 5,000 paratroopers as part of NATO’s defense efforts in Eastern Europe.
On March 25, 2025, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the appointment of US Army Lt. Gen. Christopher LaNeve as his senior military assistant. LaNeve, who has had a distinguished military career, will be promoted to the grade of lieutenant general and will serve as the highest-ranking commissioned officer in the Department of Defense, acting as the primary military advisor to Hegseth.
In his new role, LaNeve will be responsible for assisting the Secretary of Defense in implementing decisions, providing military advice, and overseeing uniformed military matters. His appointment is significant not only due to his rank but also because of his extensive and varied background in military leadership, which makes him highly qualified to guide defense strategies at the highest level.
LaNeve’s Military Background
LaNeve, a graduate of the University of Arizona in 1989, was commissioned into the US Army as an Infantry officer in May 1990. His early career included assignments to Fort Ord, where he served in the 4th Battalion, 21st Infantry, 7th Infantry Division.
Throughout his career, LaNeve’s leadership and experience steadily advanced, earning him multiple key roles in military operations across the globe.
Most recently, LaNeve served as the commanding general of the Eighth Army and chief of staff for the Combined Forces Command in the Republic of Korea. In this position, he played a critical role in the US military’s mission to defend the Korean Peninsula in cooperation with South Korean forces.
LaNeve took command of the Eighth Army in 2024, reinforcing the US-South Korea alliance and enhancing military readiness in the region.
LaNeve salutes Soldiers during the Eighth Army change of command ceremony at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, April 5, 2024. (DVIDS)
In addition to his time in South Korea, LaNeve has an extensive history of leadership in combat zones. He has served multiple tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, where he was instrumental in leading troops through some of the most challenging military operations.
Notably, LaNeve also commanded the division in Poland during the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, where he was responsible for guiding 5,000 paratroopers as part of NATO’s defense efforts in Eastern Europe.
Throughout his military career, LaNeve’s leadership has earned him significant accolades, including three Bronze Star medals, the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Master Parachutist Badge. His leadership style is grounded in leading by example, often participating in parachute jumps alongside his troops.
“Never ask your troops to do what you wouldn’t do,”LaNeve has said, emphasizing his commitment to leading from the front.
Leadership Philosophy and Impact
LaNeve’s approach to leadership, which emphasizes understanding and caring for the people under his command, has been a hallmark of his career.
In a 2023 interview with the University of Arizona Alumni magazine, he stated, “Guns and leaders should get up front. Lead from the front. It’s not just being there – it’s knowing your people and letting them know you care about them. Then, everything else is pretty easy.”
This leadership philosophy has not only made him a respected figure within the Army but also set a high standard for military leadership at all levels.
LaNeve’s leadership experience, particularly in high-stakes global environments, positions him to effectively serve as the senior military assistant to Defense Secretary Hegseth. His strategic insights, coupled with his understanding of both combat and peacetime military operations, will be invaluable in advising the Secretary on defense priorities and ensuring the smooth execution of military decisions.
NBC News is reporting that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has removed his Senior Military Advisor, Air Force Lieutenant General Jennifer M. Short “effective immediately” for a reason not currently known. Lieutenant General Christopher C. LaNeve, Commanding General of the… pic.twitter.com/jHm1rfAbG7
As LaNeve transitions to his new role, his leadership will be crucial in navigating the complexities of global security, particularly as the US military continues to address challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, Europe, and beyond. His extensive combat experience and high-level command roles will provide critical perspectives as the Department of Defense adapts to evolving threats and opportunities in the global defense landscape.
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Brandon Webb former Navy SEAL, Bestselling Author and Editor-in-Chief
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