A Georgia National Guard officer just made history by becoming the first four-star Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau, marking a groundbreaking moment for America’s citizen-soldiers and strengthening our homeland defense capabilities. This historic confirmation of Army Lt. Gen. Thomas M. Carden Jr. stems from a rank elevation in the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act, which enhances the Guard’s advisory influence within the Pentagon and Joint Chiefs structure. Carden brings decades of distinguished service, including combat experience and extensive homeland security expertise, to this newly amplified role.
Story Highlights
- Army Lt. Gen. Thomas M. Carden Jr. confirmed as first-ever four-star National Guard Bureau Vice Chief
- Historic promotion elevates National Guard’s influence within Pentagon and Joint Chiefs structure
- Georgia officer brings combat experience from Iraq and Bosnia plus extensive homeland security expertise
- Position upgrade through 2024 National Defense Authorization Act enhances Guard’s advisory role to top defense officials
Historic Senate Confirmation Strengthens Military Leadership
The U.S. Senate confirmed Army Lt. Gen. Thomas M. Carden Jr. as the 12th Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau on January 13, 2026, making him the first officer to hold this position at four-star rank. This elevation stems from the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act, which upgraded the vice chief role to enhance the Guard’s advisory capacity to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs leadership. Carden succeeds retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Marc Sasseville and will serve alongside four-star NGB Chief Gen. Steven Nordhaus.
Congratulations to Lt. Gen. Tom Carden on his confirmation as the Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau. His experience, steady leadership & unwavering commitment to our Soldiers, Airmen & families will be invaluable as the National Guard continues to meet the needs of the… pic.twitter.com/KYIQqnK4pP
— Gen. Steven Nordhaus (@ChiefNGB) January 13, 2026
From Enlisted Roots to Four-Star Leadership
Carden’s remarkable journey began as an enlisted infantryman in the Georgia National Guard during high school, later earning his commission through Officer Candidate School. His distinguished career includes combat deployments to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 48th Infantry Brigade and to Bosnia for Operation Joint Forge. The general commanded the 560th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade and served as Georgia’s Adjutant General from 2019 to 2024, overseeing the state’s entire National Guard force during critical domestic support missions.
His federal experience expanded when he became deputy commander of NATO’s Multi-National Division Southeast in Romania, followed by his current role as deputy commander of U.S. Northern Command and vice commander of NORAD since May 2024. This NORTHCOM position placed him at the forefront of homeland defense operations, directly supporting America’s border security and domestic threat response capabilities that conservatives have long championed as essential national priorities.
Congratulations to Lt. Gen. Tom Carden on his confirmation as the Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau.
Enhanced Authority for National Guard Operations
The four-star upgrade significantly amplifies the National Guard’s voice in Pentagon decision-making, overseeing more than 435,000 soldiers and airmen across all 50 states, territories, and the District of Columbia. This enhancement aligns with conservative principles of strengthening state-federal cooperation while maintaining robust homeland defense capabilities. Carden will serve as principal advisor to top Defense Department officials, ensuring Guard perspectives inform critical national security policies affecting both domestic operations and overseas deployments.
Georgia officials, including Republican Governor Brian Kemp and Representatives Rick Allen and Barry Loudermilk, praised Carden’s confirmation as a victory for both the state and national security. Governor Kemp called him “a great Georgian and true American hero” on Facebook, while the congressional delegation highlighted his exemplary military service record that spans decades of dedicated service to both state and nation.
Strategic Impact on Homeland Defense
Carden’s appointment comes at a crucial time when the National Guard plays an increasingly vital role in border security, disaster response, and civil unrest management – areas where strong leadership proves essential for maintaining law and order. His NORTHCOM background provides invaluable experience in coordinating federal and state responses to domestic threats, a capability that resonates with conservatives who prioritize effective homeland security measures. The dual four-star leadership structure at NGB represents the most significant organizational enhancement in the bureau’s modern history.
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Who is Thomas Carden? First Ever Four-Star National Guard Bureau Vice Chief
Senate confirms Carden as first four-star vice chief of the National Guard Bureau
Lieutenant General Thomas Carden, USA
National Guard Bureau Biography
