Thomas Carden

Thomas M. Carden Jr. is a United States Army general who has served as the 13th vice chief of the National Guard Bureau since February 2026. He previously served as the deputy commander of United States Northern Command from May 2024 to January 2026. Prior to that, he served as the adjutant general of Georgia from 2019 to 2024, and as the deputy commander of Multi-National Division Southeast (Romania) from 2017 to 2019.

In January 2024, Carden was nominated for promotion to lieutenant general and assignment as deputy commander of the United States Northern Command and vice commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command.

In June 2025, Carden was nominated for promotion to general and assignment as vice chief of the National Guard Bureau. His nomination was confirmed by the Senate on 12 January 2026, and assumed office on 2 February 2026.

Awards Carden's decorations include:

Overseas Training RibbonNATO Medal Badges560th Battlefield Surveillance BrigadeBritish Army Parachute BadgeTwo Overseas Service Bars