BG Mark C. Strong graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1989 and served on active duty in Field Artillery, Cavalry and Aviation organizations prior to joining the North Carolina National Guard in 1995. BG Strong has served in commands at all levels below brigade including the commander of the 1st Battalion 113th Field Artillery in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
BG Strong’s key military assignments include: Deputy Director of Operations, Readiness and Mobilization for HQDA G-3/5/7 responsible for Title 10 functions supporting Army contingency operations, force readiness, mobilization, and defense support to civil authorities. BG Strong has worked at the highest levels within the Army National Guard serving as the Special Assistant to Director of the Army National Guard, Army National Guard Chief of Staff at the National Guard Bureau, Deputy Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Staff for National Guard and Reserve Matters, and as the Chief of Force Management at National Guard Bureau.
BG Strong’s military education is as follows: U.S. Army Field Artillery Officer Basic and Advanced Course, Combined Arms Service Staff School (CAS3), Command and General Staff College (CGSC), the Army War College, and the Joint and Combined Warfighting School.
BG Strong’s military awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Combat Action Badge, Parachute Badge, the French Commando Badge.