Mark D. McCormack is a highly decorated career officer in the United States Army who has served as the deputy commander of the First United States Army at Rock Island, Illinois, since July 2024. Born in 1966 in Binghamton, New York, McCormack embarked on his military career during his college years at Mansfield University. While attending the university, he participated in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program, graduating in 1989 and subsequently receiving his commission as a second lieutenant.
McCormack's early military service began in the United States Army Reserve, after which he transitioned his membership to the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. Over the decades, he steadily advanced through the officer ranks, completing a wide range of command and staff assignments. His leadership roles have included commanding the 281st Personnel Detachment, Detachment 1 of the 281st Personnel Detachment, the 281st Personnel Services Detachment, the 28th Personnel Support Battalion, and the 213th Regional Support Group. In May 2020, he was promoted to the rank of major general and assumed command of the historic 28th Infantry Division, a role he held until February 2024.
Throughout his career, McCormack has deployed overseas in support of several major military operations, including Operation Joint Endeavor, the Iraq War, and Operation Spartan Shield. His contributions and leadership in these campaigns have earned him numerous military decorations, including the Army Distinguished Service Medal, two awards of the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, and six awards of the Meritorious Service Medal.
