WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. – A new era has begun for the South Carolina Military Department as U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Robin B. Stilwell officially assumed command from U.S. Army Maj. Gen. R. Van McCarty during a change of command ceremony held on May 31, 2025. The transition took place at the Lexington District 2 Performing Arts Center in West Columbia, witnessed by a large gathering of friends, family, Soldiers, Airmen, State Guard members, and state and federal government officials. The 246th Army Band of the South Carolina National Guard provided musical accompaniment for the dignified event.
Governor Henry McMaster presided over the traditional passing of the colors, a symbolic gesture signifying the transfer of authority. Governor McMaster received the colors from Maj. Gen. McCarty, marking his relinquishment of command, and then presented them to Maj. Gen. Stilwell, formally recognizing him as the 30th Adjutant General of South Carolina.
Governor McMaster lauded the incoming leader, stating, “Major General Stilwell’s years of experience and proven leadership within the South Carolina National Guard have prepared him to take on this critical role. I know that he will serve our state with honor and distinction, ensuring the National Guard remains ready to protect South Carolinians and support our communities in times of need.”
Lieutenant Governor Pamela S. Evette echoed these sentiments, highlighting Maj. Gen. Stilwell’s qualifications: “Major General Stilwell brings decades of proven leadership, operational experience, and a deep understanding of the South Carolina National Guard to this new role. His commitment to readiness, resilience, and service make him the right leader to carry on Major General McCarty’s legacy and guide the National Guard into the future.”
Maj. Gen. Stilwell, a native of Greenville, South Carolina, began his military journey by enrolling in the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) at The Citadel in 1985, commissioning as an Infantry officer upon graduation. His extensive career within the South Carolina National Guard includes serving as director of joint staff and deputy commanding general-reserve affairs at the U.S. Army War College. He has deployed to Afghanistan, Kosovo, and Kuwait, earning numerous awards and decorations for his dedicated service.
Beyond his military achievements, Maj. Gen. Stilwell is a Circuit Court Judge for the State of South Carolina, bringing a unique blend of legal and military expertise to his new role. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from The Citadel, a Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina, and a Master of Arts in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College, where he was a Distinguished Graduate. He is also a Level III, joint qualified officer and a Liberty Fellow of the Aspen Global Leadership Network, actively serving on various community boards. Maj. Gen. Stilwell is married to Charlotte Whelan Stilwell and they have three children: Eli, Dee, and Joseph. In his remarks, Maj. Gen. Stilwell praised the efforts of his predecessor and committed to continuing to build upon the success and effectiveness of the South Carolina National Guard.
The outgoing Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. R. Van McCarty, a native of South Carolina, leaves a remarkable legacy after more than 42 years of service. A 1982 graduate of The Citadel with a United States Army Reserve commission in the Field Artillery, he commanded units at every echelon from Battery to Brigade. His previous command assignments include Battery Commander, Alpha Battery, 4th Battalion, 178th Field Artillery; Battalion Commander, 1st Battalion, 178th Field Artillery (Operation Iraqi Freedom); Regional Police Advisory Commander (Operation Enduring Freedom), 218th Enhanced Separate Brigade; Commander 59th Troop Command, Assistant Adjutant Army, and Deputy Adjutant General. Maj. Gen. McCarty plans to enjoy a well-deserved retirement with his wife Susan, daughter Madelynn, four sons, and six granddaughters.
As the 30th Adjutant General of South Carolina, Maj. Gen. Stilwell will serve as the top military advisor to the Governor, leading both the SC Army and Air National Guard, the SC Emergency Management Division, and playing a critical role in planning disaster preparedness and response efforts with agencies like FEMA. The South Carolina National Guard looks forward to a new chapter of leadership under Maj. Gen. Robin B. Stilwell.
