Brigadier General Michael D. Kjar was appointed Adjutant General of the Utah National Guard by Governor Spencer Cox on August 3, 2026. In this capacity, he oversees the Utah National Guard’s more than 8,000 Soldiers, Airmen, and civilian employees. Kjar is responsible for the readiness, training, and operations of the state’s Army and Air National Guard units.

Prior to this appointment, Kjar served in a variety of command and staff positions, including as the Utah Army National Guard Chief of Staff, Commander of the 640th Regiment (Regional Training Institute), Director of the Commander’s Action Group, Recruiting and Retention Battalion Commander, and Commander B Battery 2/222 Field Artillery Regiment. He has played a key role in major organizational initiatives and has overseen the successful completion of numerous training and readiness programs that have enhanced the Guard’s operational capabilities both at home and abroad.

Kjar began his military career in 1995, enlisting in the Wyoming Army National Guard before transferring to the Utah Army National Guard. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in Field Artillery in 2003 and deployed to Ramadi, Iraq in 2005 as a Platoon Leader and Battery Executive Officer in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Over the course of his career, he has served in a wide range of operational, instructional, and leadership roles, including overseas deployments and stateside assignments.

Kjar holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Southern Utah University, a Master of Public Administration from Brigham Young University, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College. His military decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, and numerous other awards recognizing his leadership and service. Kjar is dedicated to supporting service members and their families and advancing the mission of the Utah National Guard.

Kjar and his wife reside in Stansbury Park, Utah, where they enjoy spending time outdoors with their five children.