FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLIC RELEASE:
AUSTIN, Texas (June 11, 2022) – Maj. Gen. Charles K. Aris, the Former 36th Infantry Division Commander is retiring after 34 years of service in a ceremony, June 11, 2022, at Camp Mabry.
Aris graduated and was commissioned in 1988 from Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas with a Bachelor of Arts. He went on to receive numerous post-graduate degrees from both civilian and military institutions and is a lawyer in his civilian career.
He served on active duty as a Tank Platoon Leader, Company Executive Officer, and Battalion S-4 in the 4th Battalion, 35th Armor Brigade, 5th Infantry Division in Fort Polk, Louisiana.
In 1992 he joined the Texas Army National Guard serving as a Company Executive Officer in the 4th Battalion, 112th Armor.
“The Texas Guard is a unique organization with a force structure that stands ready for anything,” Aris said. He commanded two companies in the 4th Battalion, 112th Armor in Rosenberg and Bryan, Texas.
Aris served as a Battalion Operations officer in 4th Battalion, 112th Armor, Assistant G-3 Operations, and later as Deputy G-3 in the 49th Armor Division. He took command of 4th Battalion, 112th Armor in September 2004 and deployed to Kosovo as Commander of Task Force Houston in support of the Multi-National Brigade – East, as Camp Monteith’s Commander.
“Serving as a commander overseas is one of the most coveted positions an officer can achieve,” Aris said, “I was fortunate to achieve that with the Texas Guard.”
Following his command, Aris became the Executive Officer of 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team and later served as its Deputy Commander. In May 2009, he joined the 36th Infantry Division Headquarters as the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3.
In 2010, he deployed with the United States Division – South, 1st Infantry Division as the Assistant G-3 to support Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“It’s an honor to serve with those who put their needs behind the great need of our country,” Aris said, “To be a selfless servant and remain vigilant is what makes the Texas National Guard stand out amongst the rest.”
Later, he deployed in 2011 as the G-3 of United States Division – South, 36th Infantry Division in support of Operation New Dawn.
Aris commanded the 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team. He then commanded the 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Later, he moved on to serve as the 36th Infantry Division Chief of Staff.
In July 2016, he assumed the responsibilities as the Assistant Division Commander (Maneuver). Later, deploying as the Commanding General for Resolute Support Train, Advise, Assist Command - South in Kandahar, Afghanistan.
Aris then served as the Commanding General for the 71st Troop Command. He was reassigned as the Commander, 36ID (Rear) and upon the 36ID return from Operation Spartan Shield assumed Command October 4, 2021.
Aris resides in Ellis County with his wife Amy who is a high school teacher at Red Oak High school. Aris comes from a strong military background. Both his parents served in the Air Force. His brother and father-in-law serve in the Army, and now his son proudly serves in the Army. He thanked them for their tireless support during his career allowing him the freedom to dedicate his time to the service.
Aris said that his passion for service comes from the people he served with.
“It’s easy,” Aris said, “Just look at all the great leaders and Soldiers, it’s the privilege of being with them and serving with them. It is the honor of a lifetime.”
The mission of the Texas Military Department (TMD) is to provide the Governor and the President with ready and trained forces in support of the citizens of Texas and State and Federal civil/military authorities at home and abroad. The Texas Military Department is commanded by the Adjutant General of Texas, the state's senior military official appointed by the governor, and is comprised of the Office of State Administration (formerly the Office of the Executive Director), the Texas Army National Guard (TXARNG), the Texas Air National Guard (TXANG) and the Texas State Guard (TXSG). For more information about the Texas Military Department visit our Website at https://tmd.texas.gov.