Mark D. McCormack


Mark D. McCormack is a career officer in the United States Army. A major general and veteran of the United States Army Reserve and Pennsylvania Army National Guard, since July 2024 he has served as deputy commander of First United States Army at Rock Island, Illinois. McCormack's service includes overseas assignments for Operation Joint Endeavor, the Iraq War, and Operation Spartan Shield. His awards and decorations include the Army Distinguished Service Medal, two awards of the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, and six awards of the Meritorious [Service Medal (United States)|Meritorious Service Medal].
A native of Binghamton, New York, McCormack graduated from Mansfield University in 1989; while in college, he took part in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps. After receiving his commission as a second lieutenant, he served initially in the United States Army Reserve, and later transferred his military membership to the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. As he advanced through the ranks, he completed several command and staff assignments, and his commands included: 281st Personnel Detachment; Detachment 1, 281st Personnel Detachment; 281st Personnel Services Detachment, 28th Personnel Support Battalion, and 213th Regional Support Group. In May 2020, he was promoted to major general and assigned to command of the 28th Infantry Division. He completed this assignment in February 2024, and in July was assigned as deputy commander of First Army.

Early life

Born in Binghamton, New York in 1966, a son of Michael A. McCormack and Angela McCormack. He was raised and educated in Binghamton, and graduated from Binghamton High School in 1984. In 1989, he completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice administration at Mansfield University.
McCormack was assigned to the United States Army Reserve Control Group from May 1988 to January 1989, when he began attendance at the Infantry Officer Basic Course. After his basic course, he returned to the control group, where he remained until January 1990. From January 1990 to February 1991, he was executive officer of Company D, 3rd Battalion, 392nd Regiment, a training unit of the United States Army Reserve's 98th Training Division. From February 1991 to October 1992, McCormack was again assigned to the USAR Control Group. In the early 1990s, he moved first to Denver, Pennsylvania and later to Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and he graduated from the state police academy's liquor law enforcement officers course in October 1992.

Start of career

In October 1992, transferred his military membership to the Pennsylvania Army National Guard as a member of the 28th Adjutant General Company. In October 1993, he was appointed commander of the 281st Personnel Detachment. From February to October 1997, he commanded Detachment 1, 281st Personnel Detachment, which performed duty in Germany during Operation Joint Endeavor. From October 1997 to September 1998, McCormack commanded the 281st Personnel Services Company.

Military education

Professional education McCormack completed during his career includes:
From September 1998 to July 2001, McCormack served as personnel staff officer on the staff of the 28th Infantry Division Support Command. From July 2001 to October 2004, he was assigned as personnel service officer on the staff of Pennsylvania's Joint Force Headquarters. He served as commander of the 28th Personnel Support Battalion from October 2004 to February 2007. From February 2007 to February 2010, McCormack served as deputy commander of the 213th Area Support Group, which included Operation Iraqi Freedom deployment to Balad from April 2007 to May 2008.
From February 2010 to November 2012, McCormack was assigned as assistant chief of staff for personnel at Joint Force Headquarters – Pennsylvania. From November 2012 to October 2015, he commanded the 213th Regional Support Group. By now a resident of Reinholds, Pennsylvania, he served as Pennsylvania's deputy United States Property and Fiscal Officer from October 2015 to May 2016.

Later career

From May 2016 to May 2020, McCormack served as assistant division commander of the 28th Infantry Division. During this posting, he took part in Operation Inherent Resolve in Kuwait from January to December 2018. In April and May 2020, he carried out dual status commander duty for National Guard members assigned to Pennsylvania's COVID-19 response effort.
In May 2020, McCormack was appointed to command of the 28th Infantry Division, and he was promoted to major general in July. He continued to lead the division until February 2024, when he was assigned to temporary duty as a special assistant to the director of the Army National Guard. In July 2024, McCormack was assigned as deputy commanding general of First United States Army.

Awards

Federal awards

McCormack's federal awards include:
Among McCormack's state awards are:
  • List of decorations awarded by [the United States National Guard#Pennsylvania|Pennsylvania Meritorious Service Medal]
  • Pennsylvania Commendation Medal
  • Pennsylvania Twenty Year Service Medal with 1 silver star
  • Major General Thomas R. White Jr. Medal
  • General Thomas J. Stewart Medal with 1 bronze oak leaf cluster
  • The Governor’s Unit Citation with 2 bronze oak leaf clusters
  • The Adjutant General’s Staff Identification Badge

    Dates of rank

McCormack's dates of rank are: