Maj. Gen. Michael Scates Retires from Military Department after 36 years of Service

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - After serving in the U.S. military for nearly four decades, West Tennessee native, Maj. Gen. Michael "Trent" Scates, retired from the Tennessee Army National Guard during a ceremony held at Nashville's Joint Force Headquarters, September 13.

Scates, who was the Tennessee National Guard's Deputy Adjutant General, was joined by his family, friends, and fellow service members as he was honored for his commitment and sacrifice to the nation, and the state of Tennessee, after faithfully serving both for more than 36 years.

"Trent is an experienced leader, an irreplaceable member of our National Guard family, and a valuable teammate," Maj. Gen. Warner Ross, Tennessee's Adjutant General who presided over the ceremony. "It has been an honor serving alongside him for so many years. He is more than just a great officer and an amazing leader; he has been a brother to us all. He will be deeply missed."

Scates began his military career by enlisting in the Tennessee Army National Guard in 1990 as a heavy equipment operator for the 913th Engineer Company in Union City. He then attended Tennessee's Officer Candidate School at Smyrna's Tennessee Military Academy and was commissioned as an engineer officer in 1993. Over the next 20 years, Scates served numerous key leadership positions and commanded engineer units at the company, battalion, and brigade levels. He commanded the 230th Engineer Battalion in Trenton and served as an Assistant Operations Officer with for Jackson's 194th Engineer Brigade when deployed to Iraq in 2005 and as the 194th's personnel officer in Iraq from 2009-2010. He served as executive officer of the 194th Engineer Brigade in support of Operations Spartan Shield, Freedom Sentinel, and Inherent Resolve in Kuwait from 2019-2020. During his service, he also conducted training missions throughout Europe before becoming commander of the 194th Engineer Brigade in 2021.

"Trent is a tested warrior," said Ross. "While commanding the 194th, his Soldiers were at the forefront of domestic support. They assisted with recovery operations during the Humphreys County flood, aided hurricane relief in Louisiana, and supported statewide COVID-19 testing and vaccination efforts as well as supported area hospitals by augmenting hospital staff."

After commanding the brigade, Scates continued his service as he was appointed as Tennessee's Director of the Joint Staff, Assistant Adjutant General - Army, responsible for all Army National Guard forces in Tennessee, and lastly as the Deputy Adjutant General where he served as the deputy commander for all Tennessee Army, Air, and State Guard forces.

"Trent's career has been defined by exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and a steadfast commitment to our Soldiers, Airmen, families, and the citizens of Tennessee," said Ross.

Scates holds a bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Tennessee-Martin and a bachelor's degree as a Physician Assistant from Trevecca University. He also has a master's degree in medical science from Alderson-Broaddus College and is a graduate of the United States Army War College where he received his master's degree in strategic studies.

In his civilian career, Scates is the Program Director for the Physician Assistant Program at Bethel University in McKenzie and works as a Physician Assistant-Certified in Family Practice/Internal Medicine at Dresden Medical Clinic in Dresden. He currently resides in Greenfield with his wife Beth, and they have three children: McCall, Matt, and Phillip.

"I'm very thankful for all of my friends, family, and fellow Soldiers who joined me here today," said Scates during the ceremony. "If it wasn't for your continued support throughout my career, I would not be here. I am truly blessed and grateful for everyone's trust and confidence over the years. Serving with you has been one of the greatest honors of my life."