Connecticut Adjutant General facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Adjutant General of Connecticut
Incumbent Major General Francis J. Evon, Jr., CTARNG since July 1, 2018 6 years, 11 months and 14 days
Term length	4 years
Inaugural holder	John Keyes, 1782

The Adjutant General of Connecticut is the highest-ranking military officer in the state of Connecticut. This person leads all of Connecticut's military forces. These forces include the Connecticut National Guard, the four units of the Governor's Guards, the Connecticut State Guard, the Connecticut State Guard Reserve, and the Connecticut Naval Militia.

The current Adjutant General is Major General Francis J. Evon, Jr.. He started his four-year term on July 1, 2018.

How Connecticut's Top Military Leader is Chosen

The Governor of Connecticut chooses the Adjutant General. This important job lasts for four years. The term begins on July 1st in the same year as the state's election for Governor.

To be chosen, the Adjutant General must have served in the United States military for at least fifteen years. They also need to have reached a high rank, like Lieutenant Colonel or Commander. This person can have served in any part of the U.S. military. They do not have to have been in the National Guard. Also, someone cannot be appointed or continue in this role once they turn sixty-four years old.

A Look Back: The History of Connecticut's Military Leaders

The story of Connecticut's military leaders began a long time ago. On May 11, 1637, the government of the Connecticut Colony created its own military group. This group was the start of what is now the Connecticut Military Department. The Adjutant General is the head of this department.

The job of Adjutant General became official in Connecticut law in 1784. At first, there was no rule about having military experience for this role. By 1796, the duties of the Adjutant General were clearly defined. Their main jobs were to share all orders from the state's Commander-in-Chief (the Governor) to the different military groups. They also had to be present at all official reviews of the militia.

In 1939, the Military Department was officially created. This brought all of Connecticut's armed forces under the Adjutant General's command. This included the Governor's Guards, the Naval Militia, and the National Guard.

Over the years, the Adjutant General's role in emergency response changed. For a while, they oversaw the state's civil defense efforts. Today, the Adjutant General is still responsible for making sure the National Guard is ready to help with issues inside the state, if the Governor asks. They work closely with other state agencies that handle natural disasters and other emergencies.

List of Adjutants General of the State of Connecticut