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NEWS | Feb. 5, 2025

Illinois National Guard General from Geneva, Illinois, Assigned to New Position in Korea

Illinois Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Justin Osberg of Geneva, Illinois, has been selected as the Deputy, Combined Rear Area Coordinator, Combined Forces Command, U.S. Forces Korea, United States Indo-Pacific Command.   

General Osberg’s new assignment means that he will be promoted to major general making him a “two-star” general. He will be responsible for the Korean rear area under the 2nd Infantry Division/Republic of Korea – U.S. Combined Division. The 2nd Infantry Division deters aggression and maintains peace on the Korean Peninsula; and if deterrence fails, “Fight Tonight” in support of the U.S-Republic of Korea Alliance. General Osberg will also coordinate with the U.S. 8th Army. 

“I am incredibly proud to have an Illinois National Guard officer serve in this vital position in Korea,” said Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd, the Adjutant General of Illinois and Commander of the Illinois National Guard. “This assignment demonstrates how the Illinois National Guard is a force for good in our communities, our state, and on the world stage.” 

General Osberg was appointed as the Director of the Joint Staff for the Illinois National Guard in February 2024 overseeing the Illinois National Guard’s domestic operations and international relationships. He previously served as the Deputy Assistant Adjutant General - Army. He has had a long and distinguished career in the Illinois Army National Guard holding key command and staff positions including command of the Chicago-based 108th Sustainment Brigade, which has since been redesignated as the 34th Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade.  

General Osberg is also a combat veteran with two tours in Iraq and one tour in Afghanistan where he served as a key advisor to coalition forces including the Illinois National Guard State Partnership Program partner, Poland. He joined the Army in 1993 as a CH-47 Medium Helicopter Mechanic with the Illinois Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment and now has nearly 32 years of service. He attended the Illinois Army National Guard’s Officer Candidate School and received his commission in August 1997 as an Army Signal Corps Officer. 

In his civilian career, he is a Senior Manager for Ernst & Young, LLP where he is responsible for consulting company executives in change management.  

“I am incredibly grateful to both my family and to my civilian employer for their support of my military career,” Osberg said. “Without the support of both, I could not continue to serve my state and nation for so long.” 

Maj. Gen. Boyd said that Brig. Gen. Osberg is a great example of how a traditional Illinois National Guard Soldier can excel in both military and civilian careers. “It takes commitment, the support of families and the support of employers.  Being part of the Illinois National Guard can also enhance family life and civilian careers in addition to the education and financial benefits of service,” General Boyd said. “I am personally grateful for General Osberg’s advice, friendship of many years and for the example he has set for the 13,000 Illinois National Guard Soldiers and Airmen.”  

General Osberg was awarded the Legion of Merit twice and the Bronze Star Medal twice.  He has numerous other awards and decorations including the Polish Army Medal (Bronze) awarded by the Polish Armed Forces. He was also awarded the Combat Action Badge meaning he engaged the enemy in direct combat. 

General Osberg is a native of Arlington Heights, Illinois. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance from the University of Illinois and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Illinois. He lives in Geneva, Illinois, with his spouse, Jessica and has three daughters, Chloe, Ava, Juliana, and a son, Evan. General Osberg and his family are planning a promotion ceremony in Illinois sometime later this year.