Major General Matthew J. Van Wagenen assumed duties as SHAPE Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations (J2/J3/J36) (DCOS OPS) in June 2022. As DCOS OPS, he is responsible for monitoring the strategic environment and manages current operations for the Supreme Allied Commander Europe. He directs and oversees all assigned operational and intelligence functional area activities through the J2 and J3 divisions.
Major General Van Wagenen previously served as the Deputy Commanding General (DCG) for Maneuver of V (US) Corps Forward Command Post in Poznan, Poland. Prior to this assignment, he was the Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations) at the NATO Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC), DCG 3rd (UK) Division, and DCG 1st (US) Cavalry Division.
Major General Van Wagenen commanded A. Company 1-64 Armor, 1st Battalion 34th Armor, 4th Squadron 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Armored Brigade Combat Team, and Task Force Southeast, Afghanistan.
Additionally, he served as the G3 for 1st Infantry Division and the J3 of Regional Command-East, Afghanistan.
Major General Van Wagenen held a fellowship at the George C. Marshall Center for European Security Studies, Germany. He earned his commission and Bachelor degree in Business Administration from Marquette University in 1991 and a master’s degree in Military Studies from the US Army Command and General Staff College in 2004.
Major General Van Wagenen’s decorations include the Combat Action Badge, the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, and the Silver Medallion Order of Saint George.
Major General Van Wagenen is married to Dr. Stefanie Van Wagenen and has two children.