A native of Southern California, Lt. Gen. Joshua M. Rudd grew up in South Carolina and graduated from Furman University in 1993 after earning his commission through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program. Entering active duty as a Quartermaster Officer, he successfully completed Special Forces Assessment and Selection in 1996.
As a Special Forces Officer, he has commanded at every echelon from Operational Detachment Alpha to Group. He has served in numerous flag and command assignments, to include: Deputy Commanding General – Operations of the 25th Infantry Division (2019-2020), Deputy Commanding General of the 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) (2018-2019), Commander JIATF-NCR (2017-2018), Commander of a Forward Deployed Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force (2017-2018), Commander of 3rd Operations Support Group (2015-2017), and Commander of a Forward Deployed Combined Joint Task Force (2015-2017). He served as Commander, Special Operations Command Pacific where he oversaw Special Operation Forces across 52 percent of the globe, while providing operational oversight for the planning and execution of sustained special operations to ensure a free and secure Indo-Pacific. He most recently served as Chief of Staff, United States Indo-Pacific Command.
He deployed in support of multiple combat operations including Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn and Operation Inherent Resolve. His professional education includes U.S. Army War College – Fellowship at Duke University, Naval Command and Staff College, Infantry Officer Advanced Course and Quartermaster Officer Basic Course. Additionally, he holds a master’s degree in Strategy and National Security from the Naval War College and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Furman University. He is authorized to wear the following awards and decorations: Defense Superior Service Medal (three awards), Legion of Merit (three awards), Bronze Star Medal (three awards), Combat Infantryman Badge, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Military Free Fall Jumpmaster Badge and Combat Diver Supervisor Badge.
Lt. Gen. Rudd assumed duties as Deputy Commander, United States Indo-Pacific Command, on Sept. 25, 2024.
