Michael Kurilla Age, Wiki and Bio

Michael Kurilla

Quick Info

ProfessionMilitary Official
NationalityAmerican
Date of Birth16/05/1966
Age59 years
BirthplaceCalifornia, U.S.

Bio/Wiki

Birth NameMichael Erik Kurilla
Earned NameThe Gorilla
NicknameErik

Physical Stats & More

Eye ColorBrown
Hair ColorDark Brown

Educational Qualification(s)

Colleges/Universities
  • United States Military Academy, United States
  • Regis University, Denver, Colorado
  • National War College, Washington, D.C., United States
Degrees
  • A Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering
  • M.B.A.
  • Post Graduation in National Security Studies

Personal Life

HometownElk River, Minnesota
Zodiac SignTaurus
Food HabitNon-vegetarian
ControversyInvestigated for shoving an airman during a C-17 flight incident in November 2024.

Relationships & More

Marital StatusMarried

Family

SpouseMary Paige
Children2 Daughters

Career

Military Service
AllegianceUnited States
BranchUnited States Army
Years of Service1988-present
RankGeneral
Commands
  • United States Central Command
  • XVIII Airborne Corps
  • 82nd Airborne Division
  • 75th Ranger Regiment
  • 2nd Ranger Battalion
  • 1st Battalion
  • 24th Infantry Regiment
Battles/Wars
  • Operation Just Cause
  • Gulf War
  • Operation Uphold Democracy
  • Iraq War
  • War in Afghanistan
  • Operation Inherent Resolve
  • Operation Prosperity Guardian
  • Operation Midnight Hammer
Awards
  • Army Distinguished Service Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster
  • Defense Superior Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters
  • Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster
  • Bronze Star Medal with 'V' device and four oak leaf clusters
  • Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster
  • Defense Meritorious Service Medal
  • Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters
  • Joint Service Commendation Medal
  • Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters
  • Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters
  • Army Presidential Unit Citation
  • Joint Meritorious Unit Award
  • Valorous Unit Award
  • Meritorious Unit Commendation
  • National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star
  • Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with Arrowhead device and service star
  • Southwest Asia Service Medal with two service stars
  • Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two service stars
  • Iraq Campaign Medal with two service stars
  • Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal with service star
  • Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
  • Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
  • Korea Defense Service Medal
  • Humanitarian Service Medal
  • Army Service Ribbon
  • Army Overseas Service Ribbon with bronze award numeral 7
  • NATO Medal for the former Yugoslavia with service star
  • Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia)
  • Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait)
  • Combat Infantryman Badge with Star
  • Ranger tab
  • Master Parachutist Badge with one bronze jump star
  • Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge
  • United States Central Command Badge
  • 75th Ranger Regiment Combat Service Identification Badge
  • French Parachutist Badge
  • 75th Ranger Regiment Distinctive Unit Insignia
  • 10 Overseas Service Bars
Major Designations
  • Served in various positions from 1988 to 2004, including participation in the Gulf War and peacekeeping in Bosnia.
  • Commander of the First Battalion of the 24th Infantry Regiment in Iraq from 2004-2005.
  • Led the 75th Ranger Regiment Second Battalion in Iraq and Afghanistan from 2006-2008.
  • Served as Commander of the 75th Ranger Regiment from 2009-2011.
  • Assistant Commander for Support of the Joint Special Operations Command from 2012-2014.
  • Deputy Commanding General of the First Infantry Division from 2014-2015.
  • Deputy Director for Special Operations and Counterterrorism of the Joint Staff from 2015-2016.
  • Commanding General of the 82nd Airborne Division from 2016-2018.
  • Chief of Staff of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) from 2018-2019.
  • Commanding General of the XVIII Airborne Corps from 2019-2022.
  • CURRENT: CENTCOM Commander since 2022.

Some Lesser Known Facts

Grew up in Elk River, Minnesota.
Joined the U.S. Army as an infantry officer in 1988 after graduating from West Point.
Active in the Gulf War, U.S. invasion of Panama, and Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti early in his service.
Participated in peacekeeping operations in Bosnia and Kosovo during his military career.
Led the 1st Battalion of the 24th Infantry Regiment in Iraq during 2005.
Sustained three gunshot wounds during a battle in Mosul but continued to command, earning a Bronze Star for valor.
Originally served as the commander of the 2nd Ranger Battalion before leading the 75th Ranger Regiment.
Held the position of assistant commanding general of Joint Special Operations Command from 2012 to 2014.
Oversaw troop movements in Germany amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022.
Played a crucial role during the Iran-Israel conflict starting in June 2025, showcasing strategic influence.