Charles R. Hamilton is a former United States Armygeneral who last served as the commanding general of United States Army Materiel Command from 16 March 2023 to 22 March 2024.[2][3] He previously served as the deputy chief of staff for logistics of the Army Staff from 6 April 2022 to 16 March 2023.[4][5] Prior to this he was the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics of the United States Army from May 2021 to March 2022, and the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics and Operations of the United States Army Materiel Command from July 2020 to April 2021.[6][7][8][9]
Hamilton was suspended by the secretary of the Army, on 22 March 2024 amidst allegations that he had abused his position in attempting to push a candidate deemed unfit for command through the Battalion Commander Assessment Program.[10] In late October 2023, Hamilton had lobbied the director of the board of the assessment program, to give a lieutenant colonel, who had failed the board assessment, a second board interview and contacted three generals, who may have served on the second assessment board, to pressure them into recommending the candidate.[10] The subordinate was not accused of wrongdoing and was a female lieutenant colonel who had scored in the bottom 1% of the rankings. She "was found unfit for command and had an inappropriate relationship with the general".[11] The case was referred to the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General for investigation.[12][13] He was initially temporarily reassigned,[14] and retained his four-star rank, pending the outcome of the investigation.[15][16] After the investigation was completed, the secretary of the Army officially relieved Hamilton of his command on 10 December 2024,[17] and he has reverted back to his permanent rank of major general.[18] Hamilton intends to retire after over 43 years of service.[17]
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