The Adjutant General of Maryland

Brigadier General James A. Adkins was appointed as the 28th Adjutant General of Maryland effective June 1, 2008. The Adjutant General is responsible for the daily operations of the Maryland Military Department which includes the Maryland Army National Guard, Maryland Air National Guard, Maryland Emergency Management Agency and Maryland Defense Force.

General Adkins was born in Cambridge and grew up in Dorchester County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Prior to entering the U.S. Army, he served two years with the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office.

During his military career, he graduated from the Defense Language Institute’s Russian Language Program in Monterey, California and served in intelligence, infantry and cavalry assignments in the United States and abroad. His military assignments also included military support to civil authorities, including counter-drug and emergency management operations. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, he assisted the former Soviet Republic of Estonia in its transition to democracy.

During his career, General Adkins served in both the enlisted and officer ranks. His military decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Maryland Distinguished Service Cross and the Order of the White Cross from the Republic of Estonia.

He served in the Maryland Military Department as Chief of Staff and Assistant Adjutant General for State Operations before his appointment to the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs. He served as Director of the Cemetery and Memorial Programs followed by an appointment as Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs. General Adkins was appointed as the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Maryland and was sworn in by Governor Martin O’Malley on May 9, 2007. In that position he oversees the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs and serves in the Governor’s cabinet as the state’s key advisor for veteran issues. He continues to serve in that position and holds two cabinet positions simultaneously.

His senior military education includes the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and the U.S. Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of the State of New York and a Master’s degree from Washington College.

He is a member of numerous organizations including the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, AMVETS, U.S. Army War College Alumni Association, 2nd Armored Division Association, 29th Infantry Division Association, Military Intelligence Corps Association and the Maryland Chiefs of Police Association.