Major General David W. Ling was born in Moline, Illinois. After serving in the Army Reserve as an enlisted Infantryman, he joined the ROTC Program at Iowa State University. He was commissioned into the Army Reserve in 1987 as an Infantry Officer and served in numerous light infantry leadership positions including platoon leader, company commander and battalion assistant operations officer (S3 Air) before transferring to the logistics field.
As a logistics officer, he has served in a number of positions including transportation and headquarters company command, as well as staff positions from battalion through COCOM level. Command assignments include the 1st Battalion 413th Regiment (Logistics Support), the 654th Regional Support Group, the Army Reserve Sustainment Command (ARSC), and now the 79th Theater Sustainment Command. Prior to his assignment at 79th TSC, Major General Ling was the Department of the Army Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, G-4, Mobilization and Training.
As part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Major General Ling led a Military Transition Team responsible for the stand-up, training, and initial operation of the Iraqi Army 2nd Motor Transport Regiment in An Numaniyah, Iraq. The regiment conducted transportation missions throughout the country.
Major General Ling has completed the Infantry Officers Basic and Advanced Courses, Senior Officers Transportation Qualification Course, Combined Arms and Services Staff School, Command and General Staff College, and the Army War College. His awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with silver oak leaf cluster, Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster, and the Combat Action Badge.
Major General Ling holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering and three master’s-level degrees in management and strategic studies. In addition, he is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Iowa. In his civilian occupation, he is responsible for the project management of renewable energy power plants and major energy savings contracts.
Major General Ling and his wife Linda currently reside in Ridgefield, Washington.