CGSC inducts Thai military leader to International Hall of Fame

Gen. Songwit Noonpackdee, Chief of Defense Forces, Royal Thai Armed Forces, addresses the audience during his induction ceremony to the Command and General Staff College’s International Hall of Fame April 2, 2024, in Eisenhower Hall of the Lewis and Clark Center.

(by Sarah Hauck, The Army University Public Affairs Office) The Army University’s Command and General Staff College inducted Gen. Songwit Noonpackdee, Chief of Defense Forces, Royal Thai Armed Forces April 2, 2024, at the Lewis and Clark Center on Fort Leavenworth, Kan.

Gen. Songwit Noonpackdee, Chief of Defense Forces, Royal Thai Armed Forces, and CGSC Commandant Lt. Gen. Milford H. Beagle, Jr., unveil the Noonpackdee’s portrait that will be added to the Command and General Staff College’s International Hall of Fame gallery during his induction ceremony April 2, 2024, at the Lewis and Clark Center, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. (photos by Dan Neal/ArmyU Public Affairs)

Noonpackdee is the 299th IHOF inductee since the program was established in 1973. He is the ninth Thai officer to become part of the exclusive group which has members from 82 nations.

Nominees for the IHOF are selected based on their distinguished service and meritoriously attaining the highest level of leadership within their respective militaries.

Noonpackdee has served since 1988, with his career culminating with his most recent appointment as the 35th Chief of Defense Forces in October 2023.

“We take immense pride that he has enriched our institution by being part of the 8,500 plus international military graduates of the United States Army Command and General Staff College,” Lt. Gen. Milford Beagle, Commanding General, U.S. Army Combined Arms Center, and CGSC Commandant, said. “Our IHOF represents the absolute pinnacle of personal and professional achievement as a senior military leader.”

During his remarks, Beagle highlighted the “warrior scholar” path Noonpackdee forged during his career, completing a Master of Science in Engineering degree and notable Army military training courses like Ranger, Airborne, and Pathfinder.

“You represent and reflect excellence not only for the Royal Thai Armed Forces but for all officers in this auditorium today.”

Noonpackdee, a graduate of the Command and General Staff Officers Course Class of 2000, reflected on his time at Fort Leavenworth citing the gradual progression of the course work and camaraderie with classmates.

CGSC Foundation Chair Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Chris Hughes presents Gen. Songwit Noonpackdee, Chief of Defense Forces, Royal Thai Armed Forces, with a gift of a miniature Fort Leavenworth Lamp designating him as an honorary life constituent of the CGSC Foundation during the International Hall of Fame induction ceremony April 2, 2024, at the Lewis and Clark Center, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

The applicable lessons at CGSOC still assist Noonpackdee lead defense forces of the Royal Thai Army, he explained.

“It was the best year [of my career] because I broadened my knowledge and vision of this world,” Noonpackdee said. “It was the best because it prepared me for future challenges. And it was the best because it created a bond of friendship from many nations.”

Noonpackdee encouraged all students in attendance to focus on their curriculum and connections.

“What you have learned here will prepare you for the future experiences,” he said. “You are walking in the footsteps of great captains, like Sherman, Eisenhower, Patton. The standards for you are above and beyond your peers. Be kind. Make friends. Be that friend indeed to one another. Friends give you the resiliency to be back on your feet ready to fight another day in this volatile and uncertain world.”

After unveiling Noonpackdee’s portrait, Lt. Gen. Beagle presented him with a certificate on behalf of the Greater Kansas City Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars signifying his status as an inductee into the International Hall of Fame. CGSC Foundation Chair Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Chris Hughes presented Noonpackdee with a gift of a miniature Fort Leavenworth Lamp designating him as an honorary life constituent of the CGSC Foundation.

For more photos see the CGSC Flickr album

View the video of the full ceremony on the CGSC Facebook page