COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster today announced his appointment of Brigadier General Robin B. Stilwell as South Carolina's next Adjutant General. BG Stilwell, who currently serves as Director of the Joint Staff for the South Carolina National Guard, will succeed the current Adjutant General, Major General Van McCarty, who plans to retire after serving in the position since 2019. 

"Major General Van McCarty represents the very best of South Carolina's military community. He has provided a steady hand during times of crisis and has proven to be the right man, at the right time, to lead our National Guard," said Governor Henry McMaster. "As we look to the future, Brigadier General Stilwell's extensive experience within the South Carolina National Guard and his proven leadership in domestic and overseas operations make him the right choice to serve as our next Adjutant General. We are fortunate to have a committed and highly respected leader ready to step into this critical role." 

As Director of the Joint Staff, BG Stilwell oversees and directs the administration of all South Carolina National Guard joint staff programs, supporting the state's domestic response and homeland defense contingency operations. He began his military service in the Reserve Officer Training Corps at the Citadel in 1985. He was then commissioned as an Infantry Officer and was assigned as an Infantry Platoon Leader in Echo Company, 1-118th Infantry Battalion, St. George, S.C. He has served in the 218th Brigade in various capacities, including Chief of Staff, Operations Officer, and Commander.

"As Adjutant General, there are responsibilities to protect critical infrastructure, maintain equipment and facilities, manage a budget, and train soldiers for missions both at home and abroad. But the most important responsibility is taking care of the Military Department’s people," said Brigadier General Robin Stilwell. "If I am confirmed by the Senate, every decision that I make will be calculated in the best interest of the soldiers, airmen, state guardsmen, and employees of the South Carolina National Guard and the citizens of South Carolina."

BG Stilwell deployed to Afghanistan as an Embedded Team Trainer in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from 2007 through 2008. He again deployed to Kosovo in support of Operation Joint Guardian from 2012 through 2013, where he served as Chief of Staff of Multinational Battle Group – East. He deployed to Kuwait from 2020 through 2021 as Deputy Chief of Staff FWD for U.S. Army Central Command. He has commanded the 4-118 Infantry Battalion, headquartered in Union, S.C., the 678th Air Defense Artillery Brigade located in Eastover, S.C., and the 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in Charleston, S.C. A copy of his biography can be found here. 

He has received numerous recognitions, including the Legion of Merit with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with Two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters and One Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, among many others. 

"It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as the Adjutant General of the great state of South Carolina. We have been busy, but our soldiers kept one steady focus on their mission to do what they were asked to do and do it well," said Major General Van McCarty. "Under the leadership of Brigadier General Stilwell, I am confident that the soldiers, airmen, and employees of the Military Department will continue to answer the call of our state and our nation.

BG Stilwell, 58, resides in Greenville with his wife, Charlotte Whelan Stilwell. They have three children. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from The Citadel, a Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina, and is a Distinguished Graduate of the U.S. Army War College with a Master of Arts in strategic studies. He is a South Carolina Circuit Court Judge and a Liberty Fellow of Wofford College and the Aspen Global Leadership Network. A copy of his headshot can be found here. 

"General Stilwell’s vast experience, his career, and his strong family background built on faith and character have prepared him for this opportunity," said Senate Family and Veterans' Services Committee Chairman Tom Young. "I am confident that Brigadier General Stilwell will lead the men and women of our state’s Military Department with vision, passion, and integrity. I look forward to working with him when he is confirmed by the Senate."

The appointment is subject to Senate approval. Major General McCarty will continue serving as Adjutant General until the confirmation process is complete.