John Kline

John is a distinguished senior executive and combat-proven leader with over 33 years of experience driving transformation, innovation, and operational excellence across complex global organizations. Recognized for his ability to lead through crisis, modernize systems, and develop high-performing teams, he has consistently delivered strategic results across the U.S. Army and the broader defense ecosystem.

As the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Center for Initial Military Training (2021–2024), General Kline led the Army’s mission to transform 130,000 citizens annually into Soldiers, introducing data-driven, low-cost training innovations to strengthen resilience and readiness for the modern threat environment. He pioneered the Future Soldier Prep Course, a groundbreaking solution that addressed the Army’s annual 15,000-recruit shortfall, and oversaw the Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) initiative, which increased physical readiness across 50+ combat formations. In his prior role as Chief of Operations, Planning, and Training (2019–2021) for the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, General Kline directed a 350-person staff managing 26 schools, 50,000 personnel, and 200 training programs worldwide. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he led the rapid design and execution of the Army’s first “sterile movement strategy”, ensuring uninterrupted Soldier training with zero loss of life.

A seasoned Aviation Commander and Strategist, General Kline commanded formations at every echelon, including as Commander, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, where he led 3,000 personnel, and was the first to deploy aviation forces against ISIS in the Middle East while also deploying aviation forces and expanding US presence in Europe. Later, as Commander of Task Force Forge ( #1 priority in Afghanistan’s fight against terrorism in 2015-16), he rebuilt the Afghan Army’s 215th Corps and restored security in Helmand Province, the country’s most volatile region.

In the Pentagon, as Deputy Director for Army Aviation and Executive Officer to the Army’s G-3 (Operations, Plans, and Training), he shaped strategic aviation policy, advised senior defense leadership, and communicated the Army’s modernization priorities to Congress and the Joint Force. Most recently, General Kline led a team of warfighting functional experts in analyzing the 2024–2025 Russia-Ukraine War, producing a 200+ page classified report for the Army Chief of Staff identifying key insights and recommendations to improve U.S. Army acquisition, innovation, and operational readiness, the results of which were implemented and are currently reshaping the Army’s modernization strategy.

A Master Aviator with over 2,000 flight hours—including 1,000+ hours and 400+ missions in combat—General Kline brings a rare combination of operational acumen, strategic foresight, and organizational transformation expertise. He holds master’s degrees from the U.S. Air War College and Central Michigan University, and a bachelor’s degree from Shippensburg University.