A career of service and strategic responsibility.

General Erik J. Hansen is a senior United States Army officer with more than three decades of experience in Army Aviation, expeditionary operations, command, strategic planning, military modernization, and multinational security cooperation.

Commissioned into the Army in 1988, Hansen began his career in Army Aviation and went on to serve in operational and command assignments with the 101st Airborne Division, XVIII Airborne Corps, 1st Cavalry Division, U.S. Army Forces Command, and U.S. Army Operational Test Command.

His operational career includes service in Iraq and Afghanistan, along with senior military and strategic engagement in Europe and the Middle East. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, he served as a battalion commander with the 101st Airborne Division.

Over the course of his career, his responsibilities expanded from tactical aviation and unit command to brigade, division, corps, multinational, and national-level assignments. His later work included NATO planning and senior defense responsibilities involving strategy, readiness, operational planning, and international cooperation.

Since 2023, Hansen has served as Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army North (Fifth Army), at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. His responsibilities include homeland defense planning, readiness, contingency preparedness, operational coordination, and engagement with joint, federal, state, allied, and partner organizations.

His professional focus is centered on military readiness, strategic planning, leadership development, modernization, institutional resilience, and cooperation among the United States, its allies, and international partners.

Current Assignment

U.S. Army North (Fifth Army)
Deputy Commanding General
Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas
2023–Present