Brig. Gen. Robin B. Stilwell is Appointed as South Carolina’s Next Adjutant General
February 19, 2025
Governor Henry McMaster announced yesterday the appointment of U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Robin B. Stilwell as his nominee for 30th adjutant general for South Carolina. Stilwell currently serves as director of joint staff, South Carolina National Guard and deputy commanding general-reserve matters, U.S. Army War College.
“Maj. Gen. 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, Brig. Gen. 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.”
Brig. Gen. Stilwell is a native of Greenville, South Carolina. He began his military service by enrolling in the Reserve Officer Training Corps at The Citadel in 1985. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as an Infantry Officer and was assigned as an Infantry Platoon Leader in Echo Company, 1-118th Infantry Battalion, St. George, SC. He thereafter served in the 218th Brigade in various capacities, including Chief of Staff, S3 (Operations Officer), and Commander. He deployed to Afghanistan as an Embedded Team Trainer in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2007 through 2008. He again deployed to Kosovo in support of Operation Joint Guardian in 2012 through 2013, where he served as Chief of Staff of Multinational Battle Group – East. He deployed to Kuwait in 2020 through 2021 as the Deputy Chief of Staff FWD for US Army Central Command. BG Stilwell has commanded the 4-118 Infantry Battalion, headquartered in Union, South Carolina, the 678th Air Defense Artillery Brigade located in Eastover, South Carolina, and the 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in Charleston, SC.
“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. The most important responsibility of the Adjutant General is to take care of the people in the Military Department.” said Brig. Gen. Robin B. Stilwell ““If I am lucky enough to be confirmed by the Senate as the state’s next adjutant general every decision that I make will be calculated in the best interest of the Soldiers, Airmen, State Guardsmen, and the employees of the South Carolina National Guard and in the best interest of the citizens of the state of South Carolina.”
Brigadier General Stilwell is a Distinguished Graduate of the US Army War College and is a Level III Joint Qualified Officer. In his civilian career, BG Stilwell is a Circuit Court Judge for the State of South Carolina. He holds a BA in English from The Citadel, a Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina, and an MA in Strategic Studies from The US Army War College. He has served on various boards in the community and is a Liberty Fellow of Wofford College and the Aspen Global Leadership Network. BG Stilwell is married to Charlotte Whelan Stilwell and has three children: Eli, Dee, and Joseph.
“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 Maj. Gen. Van McCarty. “Under the leadership of Brig. Gen. 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.”
The appointment is subject to Senate approval. Maj. Gen. McCarty will continue serving as adjutant general until the confirmation process is complete. Upon confirmation as Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Stilwell would assume responsibility for overseeing and directing the operations of the South Carolina Army and Air National Guard, as well as the Emergency Management Division, the State Guard, Stilwell and the Youth ChalleNGe Academy.
Cover photo: South Carolina National Guard
