Retired effective May 1, 1999
Brigadier General James
McIntosh is the commander of the New Jersey Air National Guard.
General McIntosh was raised in Collingswood, N.J. He graduated from Camden Catholic High School in 1956. He was awarded a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Nebraska in 1975, and a master of business administration degree from Monmouth College in 1982. His military education includes Squadron Officer School, 1964; Air Command and Staff College, 1968; and the National Defense University Program, 1982.
General McIntosh's military career began when he entered the Air Force through the aviation cadet program at Harlington AFB, Texas in 1959 and was awarded navigator wings and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in September 1960. He was subsequently assigned to the 376th Air Refueling Squadron, Ernest Harmon AFB, Newfoundland as a KC-97 navigator from March 1961 to September 1962; 41st Air Refueling Squadron, Griffiss AFB, N.Y. as a KC-135 navigator from October 1962 to December 1966; 22nd Air Refueling Station, March AFB, Calif. as a KC-135 navigator from December 1966 to October 1970, where he flew over 100 KC-135 missions while in Vietnam between 1967 to 1970; and the 22nd Bomb Wing, March AFB, Calif. as a wing staff navigator from March to November 1971. Between November 1971 and June 1973, the general was assigned to Det 27, 1st Combat Evaluation Group as a combat skyspot radar controller performing duty at Bien Hoa AB, Republic of Vietnam and Nakon Phenom AB, Thailand. In June 1973, General McIntosh was assigned to Headquarters, Strategic Air Command, Offutt AFB, Neb. as an air operations staff officer, Single Manager Tanker Division, and in July 1975 as an intercommand tanker operators officer. While at McGuire AFB, N.J., the general was assigned as commander, 4019th Reserve Advisor Squadron from January 1977 to March 1978. In April 1978, the general was reassigned as detachment commander, 45th Air Division, McGuire AFB, N.J., with duties as the senior air force advisor to the Air National Guard, KC-135 instructor navigator, and inflight examiner, until September 1978.
General McIntosh joined the 170th Air Refueling Group, New Jersey ANG, on Oct. 19, 1978, with assignment as chief, operations plans division. He held this position until Aug. 1, 1980, when he was assigned as deputy commander for maintenance. On Aug. 1, 1981, the general was reassigned as group operations staff officer with the 170th AREFG, New Jersey ANG, McGuire AFB, N.J. In September 1985, the general was assigned as deputy commander for operations for the 170th AREFG. In June 1989, he was assigned as air commander, 170th Air Refueling Heavy Group, McGuire AFB, N.J.; in June 1991, was assigned as vice commander, Headquarters, New Jersey ANG; and in March 1992, was assigned to his present position as commander, New Jersey ANG. During his assignment as commander, 170th AREFG, the unit participated in and was partially mobilized for duty in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
General McIntosh is a master navigator with over 6,500 hours in the KC-135, T-29, C-131, C-47, KC-97, C-135 and EC-135 aircraft. General McIntosh's military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster, Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster, Combat Readiness Medal with three bronze oak leaf clusters, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with one silver oak leaf cluster, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
In his civilian capacity, he is the mission commander, Air Refueling Group, New Jersey ANG, N.J.
His civic affiliations include the National Guard Association of the United States and of New Jersey and serves on the board of a local community council.
General McIntosh was promoted to and federally recognized as a brigadier general on March 11, 1993.
(Current as of February 2001)
The date of publication indicated on this biography reflects the most recent update. It does not necessarily reflect the date of printing.