Senate Confirms New SMDC Commanding General

The United States Senate has confirmed John L. Rafferty Jr. for promotion to lieutenant general and as the next commander of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command. Rafferty, who currently serves as chief of staff at United States European Command in Germany, brings more than 30 years of military experience to the role.

During his career, Rafferty has held several senior leadership positions, including commanding the 56th Artillery Command in Europe and leading the Army’s Long Range Precision Fires initiative at Fort Sill. He also supported major operations such as Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He will succeed Sean A. Gainey, who is stepping down after more than three decades of service.