Deputy Commanding General - National Guard

Brigadier General John A. LeBlanc serves as the Deputy Commanding General-National Guard, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa; and serves as the Assistant Adjutant General, NH Army National Guard.

BG John LeBlanc enlisted into the United States Marine Corps following his high school graduation in 1983. From 1983 to 1987 he served at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; Okinawa, Japan and Pohang, Korea. In 1988 he joined 1st BN, 181st Infantry Regiment, Massachusetts Army National Guard and in 1990 transferred to the 197th Field Artillery Brigade, New Hampshire Army National Guard. He received his commission through Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia in August of 1995.

BG LeBlanc has held numerous field artillery command and staff assignments throughout his career and has extensive experience working with all three Army components, joint, and multinational forces in command and key leader positions.

BG LeBlanc’s operational experience include three deployments to the Middle East; Operation Enduring Freedom as a senior advisor to an Afghanistan BN; Operation New Dawn as the 197th Fires Brigade S3, and Operation Spartan Shield and Operation Inherent Resolve as the USARCENT Force Field Artillery Headquarters Brigade Commander.

BG LeBlanc earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University System of NH, a Master’s Degree in Military Studies from American Military University and a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College.

BG LeBlanc’s awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medals, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medals, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and German Armed Forces Proficiency and Marksmanship Badges. He is also a recipient of the U.S. Army Field Artillery Ancient and Honorable Orders of Saint Barbara.

BG LeBlanc and his wife have three adult children and two grandchildren.