Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla, the four-star general leading U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), is under investigation following allegations that he pushed a subordinate airman during a recent deployment to the Middle East, according to unnamed officials cited by NBC News. The alleged incident reportedly took place aboard a C-17 Globemaster III during a mission to Israel, when Kurilla became frustrated due to communication and logistical issues. Sources allege that after an airman instructed him to sit down and fasten his seatbelt, Kurilla reacted by pushing the airman aside in front of multiple witnesses.
The Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID), which oversees high-level criminal probes within the Army, has confirmed that it is “aware of an alleged incident and is currently looking into it,” according to a statement provided to Military.com. CID spokesperson Mark Lunardi declined to comment on specific details due to the ongoing investigation.
A spokesperson for CENTCOM stated that the command was not aware of the investigation, and a representative from the Office of the Secretary of Defense also declined to comment. Kurilla, who remains in his post, is currently on a tour of duty in the Middle East, according to senior administration officials.
Gen. Kurilla, who has led CENTCOM since April 2022, has an extensive record of service, with previous roles including command of the XVIII Airborne Corps, the 82nd Airborne Division, and the 75th Ranger Regiment. His leadership spans multiple operational theaters, overseeing critical U.S. military efforts in the Middle East, including recent support for Israel following increased regional tensions. Kurilla’s tenure at CENTCOM is set to end in April 2025, as the command’s rotation generally follows a three-year term.
