LEXINGTON, Va., Mar. 12, 2025—Congratulations to VMI alumnus and retired Army colonel Michael Obadal ’96 who has been nominated to serve as Army undersecretary. If confirmed, the role would see Obadal become the chief management officer of the Army and the force’s No. 2 civilian official.

During his time at the Institute as an international studies major and Army scholarship recipient, Obadal was part of VMI’s Honor Court and served as the Alpha Company commander. After graduation, he began his Army career as an attack helicopter officer, with both overseas and stateside posts, before commanding units and task forces throughout Army and Joint Special Operations. He has also served as an ambassador for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

Reflecting on his cadetship in his yearbook entry, Obadal stated, “In my time at VMI I have learned that this place is what you make of it. It is not an institution that will automatically make you into a man or leader, yet there is no finer process or atmosphere in which to do so.”

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