Antonio Aguto

Antonio Alzona Aguto Jr. (born 18 November 1966) is a retired American major general who last served as the commander of Security Assistance Group–Ukraine (SAGU) from 2022 to 2024 at the grade of lieutenant general. Before that, he was the commanding general of First Army from 2021 to 2022 and the commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division from 2019 to 2021. Aguto was commissioned from the United States Military Academy in 1988 as an Armor officer and had multiple deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Early life and education Antonio Alzona Aguto Jr. was born on 18 November 1966. His grandfather served in the Philippine Scouts during World War II and became a captain in the United States Army. Aguto graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace engineering. He later also graduated from the United States Army Command and General Staff College and the United States Naval War College.

Army career Aguto was commissioned an armor officer from the United States Military Academy in 1988. As a young officer he served as a tank platoon leader, company executive officer and support platoon leader in the 4th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Division United States Army Europe during Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Aguto later served as an armor company commander in 2nd Battalion, 64th Armor, 3rd Infantry Division and Headquarters Commander 1st Battalion, 77th Armor, 1st Infantry Division, United States Army Europe during operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina; and aide-de-camp to the commander of 1st Infantry Division.

Aguto took command as the commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division on 3 June 2019 at Fort Stewart, Georgia. During his tenure, the division provided support during Hurricane Dorian and experienced the COVID-19 pandemic. He relinquished command of the division on 21 June 2021. After that, Aguto became the 40th commanding general of the United States First Army on 8 July 2021 at Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois. In November 2022 it was reported that Aguto was considered the leading candidate to become the first commander of the Security Assistance Group–Ukraine (SAGU), which was formed in Germany to replace the XVIII Airborne Corps in the role of supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine during the Russo-Ukrainian war. Aguto relinquished command of First Army on 2 December 2022 and took up his post as the commander of SAGU on 9 December.

Security Assistance Group–Ukraine As of December 2023 Aguto was dispatched to Ukraine to improve the quality of advice afforded Ukraine during the winter offensive, because Ukrainian officials have asked their counterparts for more "face time with senior military officials". Aguto has warned of the vulnerability of U.S. precision guided weapons to electronic warfare in the Russo-Ukrainian war.

In March 2026, a U.S. Department of Defense Inspector General report detailed two incidents involving Aguto during his tenure as commander of Security Assistance Group–Ukraine. In April 2024, a tube containing Secret-level maps was left on a train during travel from Ukraine to the European Union, resulting in a temporary loss of control of classified materials for about 24 hours before the maps were recovered and returned reportedly untouched. The investigation found the documents had not been transported using required courier procedures.

The report also described a May 2024 incident in Kyiv in which Aguto attended a lengthy official dinner where he consumed significant amounts of alcohol. After the dinner he fell and struck his head, and the following morning appeared disoriented and lethargic before a scheduled meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. He fell again while traveling to the U.S. Embassy and was later taken to a hospital, where he was diagnosed with a concussion. Investigators concluded the falls were linked to alcohol overconsumption and noted he had not obtained the required waiver to exceed the military's two-drink limit at official events. Aguto was succeeded by Lt. Gen. Curtis A. Buzzard on 5 August 2024.

Awards and decorations Aguto's awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit (4 oak leaf clusters), Bronze Star Medal (3 oak leaf clusters), the Meritorious Service Medal (2 oak leaf clusters), the Joint Staff Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal (2 oak leaf clusters), the Joint Staff Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal (4 oak leaf clusters), the National Defense Service Medal (2 awards), NATO Medal, Parachutist Badge, Army and Joint Staff Badges.