Christopher LaNeve

Christopher C. LaNeve is a United States Army lieutenant general who has served as the senior military assistant to the secretary of defense since April 2025. He most recently served as the commanding general of Eighth Army and chief of staff of the Combined Forces Command from 2024 to 2025.^[1][2][3][4] He previously served as the commanding general of the 82nd Airborne Division from 2022 to 2023. He has also served as the deputy chief of staff for operations, plans, and training of the United States Army Forces Command.^[5][6]

Christopher LaNeve
Official portrait, 2024
Allegiance	United States
Branch	United States Army
Rank	Lieutenant General
Service number	1990–present
Commands	Eighth Army 82nd Airborne Division 7th Army Training Command 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division 2nd Battalion, 325th Infantry Regiment
Awards	Legion of Merit (4) Bronze Star Medal (3)

LaNeve holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona, a Master's of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University, and a Master's of Military Art and Science in Strategic Studies from the Command and General Staff College Advanced Operational Art Studies Fellowship. His military education includes the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the Combined Arms Services Staff School, the Command and General Staff College, the Joint Forces Staff College, and Senior Service College Fellows Course.^[7]

In March 2025, LaNeve was nominated for reappointment as a lieutenant general and assignment as senior military assistant to the secretary of defense.^[8][9]