Brigadier General Michael J. Eastridge was selected as the Deputy Assistant Adjutant General for the Illinois Army National Guard effective February 1st, 2024. In this role, he serves as the advisor to the Assistant Adjutant General in all matters pertaining to supervision and management of the Illinois Department of Military Affairs and the Illinois Army National Guard, which consists of over 10,000 citizen-Soldiers. During his first year, he was selected as the Dual Status Commander for the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago supporting security operations. In addition to these duties, he also serves in a dual-hat role as the Deputy Commanding General for the United States Army South (Sixth Army) located in San Antonio, TX.
BG Eastridge has an extensive military career that spans over 36 years in the Illinois Army National Guard. He began his service in 1988 and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant prior to receiving his commission in 2000 through the Illinois Military Academy Officer Candidate School where he was the distinguished honor graduate. His notable assignments include a mobilization to Germany in 2002 with Task Force Santa Fe as a Platoon Leader for Company A, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment conducting force protection operations. In 2004, BG Eastridge mobilized to Fort Polk, LA with the 1st Battalion, 131st Infantry Regiment as the OPFOR Military Intelligence Officer. In 2005, he commanded Troop C, 2d Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment followed by a second command in 2007 for Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2d Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment. BG Eastridge then mobilized a third time and deployed in 2008 to Afghanistan as a Team Chief for an Afghan Border Police Embedded Training Team. While deployed, he assumed command of the 333d Military Police Company conducting decisive action operations. After serving in multiple key and developmental staff positions, BG Eastridge commanded the 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment from 2015-2017 and most notable, commanded the 33d Infantry Brigade Combat Team with the responsibility for preparing the brigade for future decisive action operations supporting federal missions and domestic operations supporting state missions. His previous assignment was as the Chief of Joint Staff, Illinois National Guard.
BG Eastridge's professional military education includes the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Maneuver Captains Career Course, Combined Arms Exercise Course, Intermediate Level Education course, the Advanced Operations Course and is a 2019 graduate of the United States Army War College with a master's in strategic studies.
His notable military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Expert Infantryman Badge, Combat Action Badge and Air Assault Badge.
As a traditional guardsman, BG Eastridge also has extensive civilian experience that includes over 20 years with Mercedes-Benz Financial Services and is currently the Marketing & Sales Support Manager for the United States.
BG Eastridge, a native of Wheaton, Illinois, raised three wonderful children—Tim, Rachel, and Megan—into adulthood. He now resides in Plymouth, Michigan with his wife, Mary, her two sons, Gavin and Karter, and his daughter Megan.
Updated October 2025