Sean MacFarland

Sean MacFarland is a brigadier general in the United States Army, who commands the Joint Task Force-North, responsible for counter-drug and counterterrorism along the U.S.-Mexico border; it is headquartered at Biggs Army Airfield, Fort Bliss, Texas.

He comes from a family with deep Army roots. When he was promoted to brigadier general, his father, COL (ret.) Garth MacFarland and his wife, Lynn, each pinned a star on his jacket. His son, West Point Cadet Philip MacFarland, and his daughter, Maggie MacFarland, each pinned a star on his shirt during the ceremony. His grandfather was the late retired Army Col. Jack MacFarland. His brother is retired Army Lt. Col. Chris MacFarland of Canajoharie. His nephews include Army 1st Lt. Matt MacFarland and Airman 2nd Class Joe Stetin.

The board that selected him for promotion was headed by GEN David Petraeus, who rewarded strong performers in the Iraq War. Also on the board were Stanley McChrystal and Peter Chiarelli.

Iraq War
Then-COL Sean MacFarland moved his 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division into Ramadi, Anbar Province, an overwhelmingly Sunni area then considered under al-Qaeda control, during the insurgency in the Iraq War. He began to form alliances with the local leaders against AQI, who would not allow them to stay neutral.

Earlier service
MacFarland also served in combat in Granada, Panama and the Gulf War.

Awards
He has earned a Legion of Merit Medal, three Bronze Star medals, six Meritorious Service medals, a Joint Service Commendation Medal, an Army Commendation Medal, five Army Achievement medals, and the Combat Action Badge.

Education
He was commissioned a second lieutenant upon graduation from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1981. He earned a master of science degree in aerospace engineering at Georgia Tech. He also graduated from the Command and General Staff College.