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Fox News
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Fox News
Kurilla warfare: Meet the general leading US military forces in the Middle East amid Iran conflict
Army Gen. Michael "Erik" Kurilla is no stranger to conflict, especially in the Middle East. Two decades ago as a lieutenant colonel, he was at the front lines of combat fighting off insurgents in Mosul, Iraq, while leading the 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment. The battalion's mission was to conduct security patrols and coordinate offensive attacks against anti-Iraqi insurgents targeting Iraqi security forces and Iraqi police stations. During Kurilla's tenure leading the battalion, more than 150 soldiers earned the Purple Heart for injuries, and the battalion lost at least a dozen soldiers, The New York Times reported in August 2005. "There will always be somebody willing (to) pick up an AK-47 and shoot Americans," Kurilla told The New York Times in August 2005. Kurilla did not complete that deployment unscathed. Later, in August 2005, Kurilla found himself caught in a Mosul, Iraq, firefight, where he sustained multiple gunshot wounds, earning him a Bronze Star with valor and one of his two Purple Heart awards. Now, Kurilla is facing another battle as the commander of U.S. Central Command, or CENTCOM, serving as the top military officer overseeing U.S. military forces based in the Middle East. That means Kurilla, who attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, is at the forefront of military operations as President Donald Trump contemplates whether to engage in military strikes against Iran's nuclear sites. CENTCOM is one of the U.S. military's 11 combatant commands and encompasses 21 nations in the Middle East in its area of operations, including Iraq and Afghanistan. Those familiar with Kurilla claim he's the perfect person for the job. Retired Army Gen. Mark Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, described Kurilla as the ideal leader for CENTCOM in 2022 when Biden nominated Kurilla for the role. "If there ever was some way to feed into a machine the requirements for the perfect leader of CENTCOM — the character traits, the attributes, the experiences, the knowledge and the personality that would be ideal — that machine would spit out Erik Kurilla," Milley said in 2022, according to the Defense Department. "Erik's got vast experience in combat (and) on staffs. "He's a visionary, he's a thinker and he's a doer," Milley said. "He understands both the physical and human terrain and is able to identify root causes of problems and develop systems. He's not at all a linear thinker. He's actually a very gifted problem-solver." Retired Marine Corps Gen. Frank McKenzie, Kurilla's CENTCOM predecessor, voiced similar sentiments. "I can't think of anybody better qualified to lead CENTCOM's next chapter than Erik Kurilla," McKenzie said in 2022, according to the Pentagon. "He's no stranger to the CENTCOM (area of operations). He's no stranger to the headquarters." Notable figures who've previously filled the job leading CENTCOM include former defense secretaries, retired Gen. Jim Mattis, who served during Trump's first term, and retired Gen. Lloyd Austin, who served during former President Joe Biden's administration. Fox News Digital reached out to CENTCOM, the Department of Defense, McKenzie and Milley for comment and did not get a response by the time of publication. The region is familiar territory for Kurilla. The general spent a decade between 2004 and 2014 overseeing conventional and special operations forces during consecutive tours in the Middle East that fell under the CENTCOM purview. Additionally, Kurilla has served in key CENTCOM staff and leadership positions, including serving as the command's chief of staff from August 2018 to September 2019. Prior to leading CENTCOM, the general also commanded the 2nd Ranger Battalion, the 75th Ranger Regiment, the 82nd Airborne Division and the XVIII Airborne Corps, according to his official bio. In addition to deploying to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve, he deployed to Afghanistan with Operation Enduring Freedom. Other awards he's earned include the Combat Infantryman Badge, awarded to Army infantry or special forces officers who've encountered active ground combat. Kurilla, who the Senate confirmed to lead CENTCOM in February 2022 and will exit the role later in 2025, told lawmakers on the House Armed Services Committee June 10 that, since October 2023, when Hamas first attacked Israel, American service members have faced increased threats in the region. Specifically, he said, U.S. troops have come under direct fire by nearly 400 unmanned aerial systems, 350 rockets, 50 ballistic missiles and 30 cruise missiles launched by Iranian-backed groups. He said CENTCOM has encountered the "most highly kinetic period than at any other time in the past decade." "We have been at the brink of regional war several times with the first state-on-state attacks between Iran and Israel in their history," Kurilla told lawmakers. "In the Red Sea, Houthi attempts to kill Americans operating in the Red Sea necessitated an aggressive response to protect our sailors and mariners and restore freedom of navigation. This is while Tehran is continuing to progress towards a nuclear weapons program — threatening catastrophic ramifications across the region and beyond." As a result, Kurilla said CENTCOM is prepared to use military force to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear-armed state. Kurilla said he has provided Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth a host of options to employ to eliminate the threat of a nuclear Iran. Since Kurilla's testimony, tensions have escalated even further in the Middle East after Israel kicked off massive airstrikes against Iran's nuclear sites that Israel claims have killed several high-ranking military leaders. Likewise, Iran also launched strikes against Israel as the two ramp up military campaigns against one another. Trump is still navigating whether the U.S. will conduct direct strikes against Iran. Trump told reporters he may order strikes targeting Iranian nuclear sites and that the "next week is going to be very big." "Yes, I may do it. I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I'm going to do," Trump said. "I can tell you this, that Iran's got a lot of trouble, and they want to negotiate."
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First Post
a day ago
- Politics
- First Post
Meet Michael Erik Kurilla, US General known as 'Gorilla', who is handling West Asia crisis
General Michael Erik Kurilla is handling the US' plans for the crisis in West Asia. The four-star general, nicknamed 'Gorilla', for his physique, has been overriding decisions from his seniors at the Pentagon with the backing of US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth read more Lieutenant General Michael Kurilla is handling the US' response to the West Asia crisis. Reuters A four-star general nicknamed 'Gorilla' is handling the US' plans for the West Asia crisis. Though one would expect US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to handle the matter, he has instead delegated power to General Michael Erik Kurilla. So much so that Kurilla is actually overriding decisions from senior members of the Pentagon. But who is Kurilla? What do we know about his handling of the crisis in West Asia? Let's take a closer look: STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Who is he? Kurilla hails from Minnesota's Elk River. He is known as 'Gorilla' because of his physique. Read Israel Iran conflict live updates Kurilla graduated from West Point's United States Military Academy with a BS in Aerospace Engineering. He also has an MBA from Regis University and a MS in National Security Studies from the National War College. Kurilla joined the infantry in 1988. General Michael 'Erik' Kurilla , Commander of U.S. Central Command. Reuters He has seen action in several countries including Panama, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Afghanistan and Bosnia. From 2004 to 2014, Kurilla led conventional and special operations forces in the US Central Command Area of Responsibility. He has been awarded several honours including Bronze Star in 2005 and the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster. Kurilla was awarded the Bronze Star for leading his troops in the battle after being shot thrice. Kurilla was investigated by the US army last year for allegedly shoving a service member while being on a trip to West Asia. General Kurilla is married to Mary Paige. They have two daughters. How is he directing the US' plans? Kurilla has been Chief of Staff of CENTCOM, the combatant command in the Middle East and Central Asia, since April 2022. CENTCOM is the US military's top body in West Asia. Officials say Kurilla seems to get whatever he wants – from jet fighters to aircraft carriers – from Hegseth. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Pentagon sent a second aircraft carrier, the USS Nimitz, to West Asia this week. The Pentagon has already deployed F-16s, F-22s, and F-35s to the region. Kurilla, who is said to be a noted hawk on Iran, is close to Israel. In fact, Hegseth's deference to Kurilla is raising eyebrows around the Pentagon. Experts say much of it comes down to the fact that he looks the part – which is particularly important to both Trump and Hegseth. 'He's got the look of the general that both Hegseth and Trump are looking for,' an ex-official told Politico. 'He's a big dude, he's jacked, he's exactly this 'lethality' look they're going for.' An F-35 fighter jet on the deck of the US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier George Washington. (Photo: AP) 'If the senior military guys come across as tough and warfighters, Hegseth is easily persuaded to their point of view,' the former official added. Kurilla 'has been very good at getting what he wants.' Kurilla has frequently a rgued against the recommendations of his superiors Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine and Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Both Caine and Colby have urged caution when dealing with the situation in West Asia. 'He's extremely strategic and persuasive about what CENTCOM can do given adequate resources,' Dan Shapiro, who until January was the Pentagon's top West Asia policy official, told the outlet. 'That was certainly true in the Biden administration. It may be more true now.' Kurilla earlier this month told the US Congress that he offered President Trump and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth a 'wide range' of military options in case talks with Iran don't pan out. With inputs from agenices
CBS News
a day ago
- General
- CBS News
Funeral service held for Colorado Army veteran on what would have been his 103rd birthday
Funeral service held for Army veteran Ray Chambers on what would have been his 103rd birthday Funeral service held for Army veteran Ray Chambers on what would have been his 103rd birthday Funeral service held for Army veteran Ray Chambers on what would have been his 103rd birthday Funeral services were held in Denver on Wednesday for a World War II veteran on what would have been his 103rd birthday. An Air Force color guard member prepares to present the folded flag to a close friend during the funeral of World War II glider pilot Raymond Farris Chambers at Fairmount Cemetery in Denver on June 18, 2025. The flag had been placed atop Chambers's casket. RJ Sangosti/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images Raymond Farris Chambers passed away peacefully in his sleep at the end of May. His funeral was held at Fairmount Cemetery. A CBS Colorado news crew was at a surprise 101st birthday for Chambers, a resident of Centennial, in 2023. Raymond Farris Chambers's military medals were displayed for guests during a visitation at Fairmount Funeral Home in Denver on June 18, 2025. RJ Sangosti/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images Chambers served in the U.S. Army as a glider pilot during the 1940s and earned prestigious awards including a Purple Heart. "I flew a glider full of troops into Normandy from England. Everyone thought you were nuts to fly gliders," Chambers said in 2023. His service and bravery will never be forgotten.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
"He's A Draft Dodger" — This Former Marine DID NOT Hold Back When Asked About Trump's Military Parade
Ahead of Donald Trump's parade this past weekend, which was meant to celebrate the military's 250th anniversary (as well as, perhaps, his birthday), talk show host Bill Maher asked former Marine Corps officer and US Representative Seth Moulton for his thoughts on the spectacle. In a now-viral clip from HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher, Maher asks Rep. Moulton, "As a veteran, what is your reaction to Trump's plans for a military parade?" Bill Maher: "As a veteran, what is your reaction to Trump's plans for a military parade?Rep. Seth Moulton: "He's a draft dodger, it's his first military thing he really gets to do. He likes Putin, he worships Kim Jung Un, he wants to be like them.' — Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) June 1, 2025 HBO / Twitter: @RpsAgainstTrump His response had the studio audience bursting into laughter and applause. Related: Well, Well, Well, For The Second Time In 2 Weeks, People Are Letting JD Vance Know EXACTLY How They Feel About Him In Public "He's a draft dodger," Moulton said. "It's the first military thing he really gets to do." Moulton isn't the first to refer to Trump as a "draft dodger." Democratic Senator and Purple Heart recipient Tammy Duckworth previously referred to the 79-year-old as "Cadet Bone Spurs" as she spoke on Trump's previous politicization of the military. These critiques stem from a young Trump receiving not one, not two, not even three or four, but five military draft deferments during the Vietnam War. One of these deferments, according to the New York Times, was due to heel spurs, which left him unfit for active duty. This diagnosis reportedly came from a friend of his fathers. Related: This Dem Lawmaker Is Going Viral For His Extremely Shady Question To Secretary Kristi Noem Continuing his point, Moulton delivered a another jab: "Obviously, he likes Putin, he worships Kim Jong Un, he wants to be like them. He wants to be a dictator like those guys, and they have big military parades." Further, the representative considered the single-day parade's hefty price tag, which officials estimate to land somewhere between $25 and $40 million. "That could help a lot of vets," he said with a shrug as CNN anchor Jake Tapper chimed in with suggestions about how the money could have been diverted to Veterans Affairs offices to help vets directly. In response to the segment, some were quick to insist, "One veteran's words don't reflect the views of all veterans." Others, however, applauded Moulton's words. "Hell yes!" one person wrote. "Call it what it is — a coward who dodged service now wants to cosplay as a strongman? Disgraceful and dangerous." But what are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments. Also in In the News: This Conservative Said He Wears A Fake ICE Uniform For A Really, Really, Really Gross Reason Also in In the News: "Honestly Speechless At How Evil This Is": 26 Brutal, Brutal, Brutal Political Tweets Of The Week Also in In the News: "Let Them Eat Teslas": People At The "No Kings" Protests This Weekend Brought Signs That Were So Clever I'm Still Laughing About Them
Buzz Feed
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Rep. Seth Moulton's Response To Trump's Parade
Ahead of Donald Trump's parade this past weekend, which was meant to celebrate the military's 250th anniversary (as well as, perhaps, his birthday), talk show host Bill Maher asked former Marine Corps officer and US Representative Seth Moulton for his thoughts on the spectacle. His response had the studio audience bursting into laughter and applause. "He's a draft dodger," Moulton said. "It's the first military thing he really gets to do." Moulton isn't the first to refer to Trump as a "draft dodger." Democratic Senator and Purple Heart recipient Tammy Duckworth previously referred to the 79-year-old as "Cadet Bone Spurs" as she spoke on Trump's previous politicization of the military. Continuing his point, Moulton delivered a another jab: "Obviously, he likes Putin, he worships Kim Jong Un, he wants to be like them. He wants to be a dictator like those guys, and they have big military parades." Further, the representative considered the single-day parade's hefty price tag, which officials estimate to land somewhere between $25 and $40 million. "That could help a lot of vets," he said with a shrug as CNN anchor Jake Tapper chimed in with suggestions about how the money could have been diverted to Veterans Affairs offices to help vets directly. In response to the segment, some were quick to insist, "One veteran's words don't reflect the views of all veterans." Others, however, applauded Moulton's words. "Hell yes!" one person wrote. "Call it what it is — a coward who dodged service now wants to cosplay as a strongman? Disgraceful and dangerous." But what are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.
