Gov. Spencer Cox has chosen Col. Michael Kjar to be the next adjutant general of the Utah National Guard.
Kjar will take over the role from Maj. Gen. Daniel Boyack, who was nominated by the Executive Leadership Advisory Board and approved by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for a national position as the National Guard adviser to the Commander of U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command, according to a press release sent by Cox’s office on Wednesday.
The U.S. Northern Command was established following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Its mission is to protect the continental U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Bahamas.
“Maj. Gen. Boyack has served Utah and our nation with honor, humility and extraordinary dedication,” Cox said. “He leaves the Utah National Guard stronger, better prepared and ready to meet the demands of a changing world. We are deeply grateful for his leadership, his sacrifice and his continued service to our country as he steps into this important national role.”
As the 21st adjutant general for the state of Utah, Boyack was responsible for mobilizing 7,000 soldiers, airmen and civilian employees in the event of a homeland emergency.
He began his career at the Utah Air National Guard in 1994 and is a military veteran of several operations. Under his tenure, Utah’s National Guard received the highest personnel readiness rankings in the nation, per the press release.
Who is the Utah’s new adjutant general?
Prior to his appointment, Kjar was chief of staff for the Utah Army National Guard.
“The Utah National Guard is recognized across the country for its readiness, innovation, and professionalism,” Cox said. “Col. Kjar has helped build that reputation over many years, and his experience and dedication make him the right leader to carry that work forward as Utah’s next adjutant general.”
In 1995, he enlisted in the Wyoming Army National Guard and earned a direct commission as a field artillery officer in the Utah Army National Guard in 2003.
He served on a combat mission in Iraq and has received multiple awards, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal.
Kjar graduated from Southern Utah University with a bachelor of arts in communications, received a master of public administration from Brigham Young University and has a master of strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College.
A change-of-command ceremony will be held on Aug. 3 at Roland Wright ANG Base in Salt Lake City.