Major General Charles E. Wilson was the first African-American to assume the position of Deputy Commanding General, US Army Reserve Command on 2 August 2002. Prior to assuming this position, he served as Commanding General, 98th Division (Institutional Training) which covered eight brigades spread throughout the six New England states, New York and New Jersey. Major General Charles E. Wilson was drafted into active duty status in July 1966, and completed Basic Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky; AIT at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri as a combat engineer (12B). After completing Transportation Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Fort Eustis, Virginia, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in October 1967. His initial assignment was as a Basic Combat Training Officer with the 1st Brigade (BCT) at Ford Ord, California. In July 1969, he attended and completed the Aviation Maintenance Officer Course at Fort Eustis. In October 1969, he was deployed to the Republic of Vietnam where he served as a Logistics Officer with the Aviation Material Management Command, 34th General Support Group.

Upon release from active duty in October 1970, Major General Wilson returned to civilian life to pursue studies at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. In May 1975, he joined the US Army Reserve and served as Company Commander of a BCT company with the 2nd/330th Regt, 1st Brigade, 70th Division (Tng). In April 1978, he transferred to the Brigade Staff and served as Brigade Supply Officer, Brigade Transportation Officer and Brigade S-4.

In July 1981, Major General Wilson transferred to the 70th Division headquarters as the Assistant Division G-4. In June 1983, he took command of the 406th Maintenance Battalion (OS/GS), in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In September 1985, he returned to the 70th Division (TNG) as the Assistant Chief of Staff G-4. In December 1987, he transferred to the 5032d USARF School in Romulus, Michigan and served as a CAS3 Staff Group Leader (Instructor). In May 1988, he took command of 5032d USARF School. In May 1991, he took command of the 5064th USA Garrison, in Inkster, Michigan. In November 1993, he took command of the 3rd Brigade (FE), 85th Division (Exercise), Selfridge Army National Guard Base, Michigan. In May 1997, he was assigned as the Deputy Commanding General of the 80th Division (IT), Richmond, Virginia. On 15 March 2000, he assumed command of the 98th Division (IT), Rochester, New York.

Major General Wilson has completed the Transportation and Military Police Advanced Courses, The Command and General Staff College; the Associate Logistic Executive Development Course, the Air War College and the Army War College.

His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit (w/1 Oak Leaf Clusters), Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (w/2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Good Conduct Medal, Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Meritorious Unit Award, Republic of Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation.

During a twenty-five (25) year tenure with the Detroit Police Department, he served in every rank from Patrolman to retiring as the Chief of Police, the number one position within the 5,000-member department. MG Wilson was also appointed and served a two year tenure as the Executive Fire Commissioner of the Detroit Fire Department.

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