In a significant military tradition, the Georgia State Military which is composed of the Georgia Army National Guard, Georgia Air National Guard, and Georgia State Defense Force gathered at the Clay National Guard Center in Marietta, Georgia, on May 4, 2024, for a pivotal change of command ceremony. This event marked the transition of Major General Thomas M. Carden Jr. from his role as The Adjutant General of Georgia to Major General Richard D. Wilson. The ceremony was not just a formal transfer of responsibilities but also celebrated Major General Carden’s promotion and his new position as Deputy Commander of U.S. Northern Command.
Governor Brian Kemp presided over the ceremony, attended by numerous dignitaries including the Director of the Army National Guard, Lieutenant General Jon A. Jensen, and Major General Joseph F. Jarrad, Director of Domestic Operations and Force Development for The National Guard. The event featured traditional military honors, including cannon salutes, and showcased the unity and readiness of Georgia’s military forces. The presence of leaders from all branches underlined the collaborative spirit and commitment of Georgia’s Armed Forces.
The Georgia State Defense Force, standing alongside their counterparts from the Army and Air National Guards, demonstrated the deep interconnection and mutual support among the state’s military components. The change of command is a testament to Georgia’s robust military organization and its adherence to tradition and discipline. This ceremony not only welcomed a new leader but also reaffirmed the state’s dedication to security and leadership in national defense.
Today the Georgia Department of Defense held a change of command ceremony bidding farewell to Major General Thomas M. Carden Jr. as The Adjutant General of Georgia and welcomed Major General Richard D. Wilson as the new Adjutant General.Governor Brian Kemp presided over the ceremony with distinguished guest Director of the Army National Guard, Lieutenant General Jon A. Jensen and Director, Domestic Operations and Force Development to The National Guard, Major General Joseph F. Jarrad.During the event Major General Thomas Carden Jr. was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General and will move forward to become the Deputy Commander of U.S. Northern Command.View more images by visiting us on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/…/gagu…/albums/72177720316623167/
Brig. Gen. Jason Fryman (lower right) assumed command of the Georgia Army National Guard from Maj. Gen. Dwayne Wilson during a ceremony at Clay National Guard Center, Marietta, Ga., May 3, 2024.Brig. Gen. Fryman is Georgia’s 17th Assistant Adjutant General-Army to serve since the position was created by the passage of the Georgia Military Forces Reorganization Act of 1955. This image collage shows Georgia’s Assistant Adjutants General-Army from 1955-present.(Image collage initially posted on Georgia National Guard History)
The Georgia Army National Guard (GAARNG) holds a Change of Command Ceremony, where Maj. Gen. Richard D. Wilson transferred command to Brig. Gen. Jason W. Fryman, Clay National Guard Center, Marietta, Ga., May 3, 2024.The GAARNG is a component of the Georgia Department of Defense, along with the Georgia Air National Guard and Georgia State Defense Force.(Georgia National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class James Braswell and Pfc. Alexandria Higgins)
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp joins Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) Soldiers for a photo following a change of command ceremony that welcomes Maj. Gen. Richard D. Wilson as the new Georgia Adjutant General, Clay National Guard Center, Marietta, Ga., May 4, 2024.Governor Brian Kemp presided over the ceremony. Former Georgia Adjutant General Lt. Gen. Thomas M. Carden Jr., promoted from the rank of Major General, becomes Deputy Commander of U.S. Northern Command.The GSDF is a component of the Georgia Department of Defense, along with the Georgia Air National Guard and Georgia Army National Guard.Join the GSDF at gsdf.link/join(Georgia National Guard photo)
Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) Solders stand at ease, alongside formations for the Georgia Air National Guard and Georgia Army National Guard, during a change of command ceremony for incoming Georgia Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Richard D. Wilson, Clay National Guard Center, Marietta, Ga., May 4, 2024.Georgia Governor Brian Kemp presided over the ceremony. Lt. Gen. Thomas M. Carden Jr., Georgia’s former Adjutant General, becomes Deputy Commander of U.S. Northern Command.The GSDF is a component of the Georgia Department of Defense, along with the Georgia Air National Guard and Georgia Army National Guard.(Georgia State Defense Force photo by Pvt. Emma Foley)
To Watch The Full Video of The Ceremony:
Sources: Georgia State Defense Force – Georgia National Guard
