CENTCOM commander allegedly pushed an airman onto a military flight

The military is investigating allegations that the head of U.S. Central Command shoved a pilot while on a military flight en route to Israel.

“The Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division is aware of an alleged incident and is currently investigating,” CID spokesman Mark Lundari told Military Times in an emailed statement today. “No additional information is available at this time.”

The alleged incident, first reported by Military.com indicates that Army Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla, commander of CENTCOM, shoved a pilot during a C-17 Globemaster III flight on Thursday. The alleged physical altercation occurred after Kurilla had a heated argument with the flight crew over communications access issues.

A NBC News the article quoted unnamed defense officials describing the alleged incident, which occurred “several weeks ago.”

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The general became frustrated with communication issues and left his seat to address the issues, according to NBC News.

After a pilot asked Kurilla to sit down and fasten his seat belt for safety reasons, the general allegedly pushed the pilot aside and lashed out in front of several witnesses.

When reached for comment Friday, a CENTCOM spokesperson told Military Times they were not aware of the investigation or the incident.

Kurilla has headed CENTCOM since April 2022. The position is for three years, meaning he will likely leave the position in April 2025.

He previously served as commanding general for the 18th Airborne Corps. According to his official biography, his previous commands also included the 75th Ranger Regiment and the 82nd Airborne Division.

Kurillas awards and decorations include the Combat Infantryman Badge with Star, Master Parachutist Badge with Combat Jump Device, Ranger Tab and the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster.