Charles R. Holland | |
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Born | Elkins, West Virginia, U.S. | January 21, 1946
Allegiance | United States |
Service/ | United States Air Force |
Years of service | 1968–2003 |
Rank | General |
Commands held | United States Special Operations Command Air Force Special Operations Command Special Operations Command Pacific 1st Special Operations Wing 21st Tactical Airlift Squadron |
Battles/wars | Vietnam War Gulf War |
Awards | Air Force Distinguished Service Medal Defense Superior Service Medal (3) Legion of Merit (2) Distinguished Flying Cross |
Charles R. Holland (born January 21, 1946) is a retired United States Air Force general who served as the commander of United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. As commander, he was responsible for all special operations forces across every branch in the U.S. Armed Forces.[1] Currently, Holland is the first and the only member of the U.S. Air Force to serve as commander of USSOCOM.
Holland entered the United States Air Force in 1968 after graduating from the United States Air Force Academy. His early commands over his career included a squadron and two wings. He flew more than 100 combat missions, including 79 in an AC-130 Gunship in Southeast Asia. He served as Deputy Commanding General of the Joint Special Operations Command, was Commander of the Special Operations Command, Pacific, commanded the Air Force Special Operations Command at Hurlburt Field, Florida, and was the Vice Commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. His final assignment was commanding USSOCOM at MacDill. He retired November 1, 2003.[2]
Insignia | Rank | Date |
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General | December 1, 2000 | |
Lieutenant General | November 1, 1999 | |
Major General | February 22, 1997 | |
Brigadier General | May 20, 1993 | |
Colonel | December 1, 1985 | |
Lieutenant Colonel | December 1, 1982 | |
Major | April 19, 1979 | |
Captain | June 5, 1971 | |
First Lieutenant | December 5, 1969 | |
Second Lieutenant | June 5, 1968 |