LENOIR, N.C. — A Goldsboro resident and longtime North Carolina National Guard leader played a prominent role in a historic military ceremony as the 2nd Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Mobile Brigade Combat Team was officially reactivated on October 18, marking the unit’s return after two decades.
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Charles Morrison, who resides in Goldsboro with his family, addressed soldiers during the reactivation ceremony, highlighting the National Guard’s commitment to defending the nation and assisting communities during emergencies.
“Our Citizen-Soldiers are an always-ready, ready team standing by to defend our way of life overseas or here at home, wherever the mission takes us,” Morrison said.
The reactivation marks a significant expansion of the North Carolina National Guard’s capabilities, particularly in western North Carolina, as the 30th Brigade transitions from a mechanized combat unit to a mobile combat unit.
“The NCNG is excited to expand our footprint in Western North Carolina and provide new capabilities here at home if a natural or man-made disaster strikes,” Morrison said.
The move strengthens the Guard’s ability to respond to emergencies across the state, including communities such as Goldsboro and Wayne County that have experienced the impacts of hurricanes, flooding and other natural disasters.
Goldsboro Resident Brings Nearly Three Decades of Military Leadership
Morrison’s involvement in the ceremony carries a local connection to Wayne County.
A veteran of more than 28 years in the North Carolina Army National Guard, Morrison began his military career in February 1994, enlisting as a private with the 130th Military History Detachment.
He earned his commission in 1997 through the North Carolina Military Academy’s Officer Candidate School program and transferred to the Infantry in January 2000.
Throughout his military career, Morrison has held numerous leadership positions within the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team, known as “Old Hickory.”
His service includes two deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
From 2003 to 2005, Morrison commanded Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment. He later returned to Iraq in 2009 as the battalion’s executive officer.
He went on to command the 1st Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment from 2012 to 2014 and served as executive officer of the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team from 2014 to 2016.
Morrison assumed command of the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team on December 1, 2020. In January 2023, he was reassigned to the Pentagon as Deputy Director, G3/5/7, Headquarters, Department of the Army.
His military education includes a master’s degree in Military Studies from American Military University and graduation from the U.S. Army War College in 2016. He is also a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Asheville.
Morrison has authored several professional articles published in military journals, including Infantry, Armor and Army History magazines.
He lives in Goldsboro with his wife, Xena, and their three children, Isabella, Sophia and Patrick.
Historic Military Unit Returns After 20 Years
The reactivated 2nd Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment, known as the “Mountain Rifles,” carries a military legacy dating back to World War I.
The unit is particularly remembered for its heroic actions during the 1944 Battle of Mortain in France, where soldiers defended Hill 314 during World War II.
Their courage and determination helped secure an important Allied victory and established a lasting place in American military history.
During the October 18 ceremony, the unit’s colors were unfurled for the first time in two decades, symbolizing the return of the historic battalion.
More than 650 North Carolina National Guard soldiers now carry forward the Mountain Rifles’ legacy.
“As Mountain Rifles, we will honor the legacy represented by these colors through our actions, our standards and how we take care of one another,” said Lt. Col. Quadean Knight, commander of the 2nd Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment.
The reactivation represents another chapter in the North Carolina National Guard’s history while strengthening its ability to support military missions overseas and emergency response operations at home.
For Goldsboro and Wayne County, Morrison’s leadership in the historic ceremony highlights the community’s connection to North Carolina’s military heritage and the men and women who continue to serve.
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