History of William Green Jr. (chaplain) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 25, 2026

William Green Jr. is a retired United States Army major general who served as the 26th Chief of Chaplains of the United States Army. Notably, he was the third African-American to hold this prestigious position. He held the position until he was asked to resign on April 2, 2026, by the Secretary of Defense.

Sections (1)

Full Timeline

1984: Marriage to Robin

In 1984, William Green Jr. married his wife, Robin.

1986: Left Active Duty

In 1986, William Green Jr. left active duty in the army to become an ordained minister and served as the pastor of a small congregation in Garden City, Georgia.

1989: Received BS in Criminal Justice

In 1989, William Green Jr. received a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Savannah State University.

1992: Received Master of Divinity Degree

In 1992, William Green Jr. received a Master of Divinity degree from Emory University.

1994: Became Army Chaplain

In 1994, William Green Jr. became an army chaplain.

October 2016: Command Chaplain at Fort Shafter

In October 2016, William Green Jr. became the command chaplain at Fort Shafter for the United States Army Pacific.

July 2019: End of Command Chaplain Role

In July 2019, William Green Jr.'s tenure as the command chaplain at Fort Shafter for the United States Army Pacific concluded.

August 2019: Named Deputy Chief of Chaplains

In August 2019, William Green Jr. was named deputy chief of chaplains and promoted to brigadier general.

December 2023: Promoted to Major General

In December 2023, William Green Jr. was promoted to major general.

March 2024: Formally Promoted

In March 2024, William Green Jr. was formally promoted to major general in a ceremony.

April 2026: Asked to Resign

In April 2026, William Green Jr. was asked to resign from his position as the 26th Chief of Chaplains of the United States Army by United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.