Brigadier General Andrew W Ballenger, U.S. Army
Deputy Commanding Officer
BG Ballenger serves as the deputy commanding officer of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA). The command ensures strategic partnership with Djibouti, responds to crises, supports operations and protects U.S. interests in the region in order to enhance stability and prosperity in East Africa.
Prior to his role as the deputy commanding officer, BG Ballenger was the Deputy Director, Operations, National Guard Bureau J3/4 in the summer of 2024. He previously commanded the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) from 14 August 2022 to 11 June 2024. The 45th IBCT was in its mission year in 2023 with a large contingent deploying to the Horn of Africa (HOA).
BG Ballenger served as a T10 AGR officer within the ARNG Directorate for many years prior to this assignment. Most recently as Chief, Mobilization and Reserve Affairs, US Army Europe-Africa; as Deputy G3, ARNG Directorate; as Chief of Operations Division, ARNG Directorate; as Chief of Strategic Plans and Policy Division, ARNG Directorate; and as Individual Training Branch Chief, ARNG Training Division.
BG Ballenger has extensive MTOE experience, including as Commander, 1-179th Infantry, OKARNG; as Squadron Executive Officer, 1-180 Cavalry during Operation New Dawn; as Brigade S2, 45th Infantry Brigade during Operation Iraqi Freedom; and as Commander of HHC/1-179th Infantry during Hurricane Katrina.
BG Ballenger is a graduate of the National War College (2016), Command and General Staff College (2010), Infantry Captains Career Course (2005), and Military Intelligence Officer Basic Course (1995). He holds a Master of Public Administration from the George Bush School of Government, where he was selected as a George H. W. Bush Fellow (2001) and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Oklahoma (1995).
BG Ballenger has extensive knowledge and experience in some of the most high-profile issues of the past several years. This includes assisting in the management of Reserve Component assets during the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the ARNG response to riots across the United States in 2020, the deployment of a full Armored Brigade Combat Team into Operation Inherent Resolve and Spartan Shield in 2019, and as the lead planner for the ARNG in support of the Department of the Army’s Focused Readiness initiative in 2017-18.
BG Ballenger’s awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Bronze Star Medal with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 1 Bronze Campaign Star, Iraq Campaign Medal with 1 Bronze Campaign Star, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, and Ranger Tab.
BG Ballenger has been married to his wife, Bridget, since 1995. They have four children together, Madison, Asa, Samuel, and Henry. He is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys reading about history and current events.