Quadean C. Knight, right, commander of the North Carolina National Guard's 2nd Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment, and J5 State Partnership Program Senior Strategic Plans Officer for NCNG Joint Force Headquarters, is formally promoted to lieutenant colonel by U.S. Army Col. Benjamin R. Wynn at a ceremony at NCNG Joint Force Headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina, Oct. 16, 2026. A career Infantry officer, Knight has more than 28 years of military service with experience in airborne infantry, battalion operations, organizational leadership, strategic planning, and international security cooperation. (U.S. Army photo by Robert Jordan, North Carolina Department of Public Safety)
RALEIGH, N.C. — A Goldsboro native with nearly three decades of military service has reached another milestone in his distinguished career with the North Carolina Army National Guard.
Quadean C. Knight was promoted to lieutenant colonel on October 16, 2026, during a ceremony at the North Carolina National Guard’s Joint Force Headquarters in Raleigh.
During the ceremony, Knight reaffirmed his military oath and reflected on his commitment to duty, leadership, and selfless service.
“God will put you into situations where you are called on…For me, that’s the Guard,” Knight said.
Knight currently commands the 2nd Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment, North Carolina Army National Guard, and serves as the J5 State Partnership Program senior strategic plans officer at Joint Force Headquarters.
His promotion comes at a significant time for the North Carolina National Guard. Just two days after the ceremony, on October 18, the 2nd Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment was officially reactivated after more than two decades.
Knight is the first commander to lead the unit since its deactivation in 2005.
Nearly Three Decades of Military Service
Knight began his military career in 1998 with the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, serving in the 2nd Battalion, 325th Parachute Infantry Regiment.
He later transitioned to the North Carolina Army National Guard, where he continued advancing through numerous leadership and staff positions.
Throughout his 28 years of service, Knight has held a variety of command and operational assignments, including serving as a Mortar Platoon Leader, completing the Infantry Mortar Leader Course, and commanding both Bravo Company and Headquarters Company of the 1st Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment.
His leadership experience also includes serving as a plans officer for the 1st Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment and the 1st Battalion, 252nd Armor Regiment.
Knight went on to serve as Battalion Operations Officer and Battalion Executive Officer for the 1st Battalion, 252nd Armor Regiment.
His military career has also included international service as the Bilateral Affairs Officer for Botswana at the U.S. Embassy in Gaborone, where he contributed to international security cooperation and military partnerships.
Recognizing Those Who Helped Along the Way
During his promotion ceremony, Knight emphasized the importance of mentorship and the fellow service members who helped shape his career.
“I appreciate every NCO that helped me along the way,” Knight said, recognizing the noncommissioned officers, peers, and commanding officers who supported his development as a military leader.
Knight also encouraged younger officers to seek guidance from experienced leaders.
“I always tell my lieutenants, reach out and seek mentorship,” he said during his closing remarks.
His comments reflected a leadership philosophy centered on teamwork, professional development, and recognizing the contributions of others.
Distinguished Military Honors
Knight’s military service has earned him numerous decorations and awards, including the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and Army Achievement Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters.
His additional honors include the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and Iraq Campaign Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters.
Continuing His Education and Service
Knight holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and history and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
His professional military education includes Intermediate Level Education, the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and the Advanced Operations Course.
Although he currently resides in Raleigh, Knight’s roots in Goldsboro remain part of a military career that has taken him from the 82nd Airborne Division to leadership positions within the North Carolina National Guard and international military assignments.
As the newly promoted lieutenant colonel takes command of the reactivated 2nd Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment, he continues a career built on service, mentorship, and leadership.
His promotion represents not only a personal achievement but also a point of pride for his hometown of Goldsboro and the Wayne County community.
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