The commanding general of U.S. Army Recruiting Command, Maj. Gen. Johnny Davis, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general in a ceremony held at Fort Knox, Ky., on Wednesday, according to a command press release.

Davis began his military career decades ago with the 24th Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Ga. He later deployed to Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan, and also served in leadership roles as the commanding general of U.S. Forces Korea, Joint Modernization Command and Army Cadet Command.

Davis assumed leadership of Recruiting Command in October 2022, around the time the Army reported missing its recruiting goal for the fiscal year by 25%. Since then, the service’s recruiting has seen significant progress.

“In 2022, we tasked Johnny to lead the Army’s most pressing challenge — Army recruiting,” said Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Randy George, who presided over the ceremony, per the release.

“In fiscal year 2024, we exceeded our target. In fact, we went over our active-duty goal,” George said. “In true Army fashion, we upped our goal for 2025. Right now, I am proud to say USAREC is already halfway to our goal for this year and doing great.”

Davis, whose promotion was confirmed by the Senate in December, expressed gratitude to his family, friends and the personnel in his command. “My USAREC family — my superstars — they are what motivate me each and every day,” Davis said, according to the release.