Joint Training Directorate
Maj. Gen. Richard O. Wightman
U.S. Army
Deputy Commander Joint Warfighting Center/Deputy Joint Force Trainer

Maj. Gen. Wightman works as the deputy commander of the Joint Warfighting Center and deputy joint force trainer at U.S. Joint Forces Command in Suffolk. As deputy joint force trainer he helps lead the JFCOM joint force training effort to conduct and support the development of capabilities that train the individual services to fight together as a team.

After enlisting Airborne Infantry in June 1968, and after completing Basic Training at Fort Jackson, S.C., advanced infantry training at Fort Polk, La., and Officer Candidate School at Fort Belvoir, Va., Wightman was commissioned an Engineer Second Lieutenant in August 1969.

He has held numerous command positions at various levels both on active duty and in the U.S. Army Reserves and Army National Guard to include the 418th Civil Affairs Battalion, the 917th Corps Support Group and the 143rd Transportation Command. Wightman most recently served as the military executive/military advisor to the Reserve Forces Policy Board (RFPB) in the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD).

He holds a bachelor of arts degree in history from Framingham State College and a masters degree in military art and science from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.

Wightman's decorations include the Legion of Merit, with oak leaf cluster, the Bronze Star with V device, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, among others.