Lieutenant General  Arben Kingji

Lieutenant General Arben Kingji was born in Kukës, Albania, on 22 December 1970. After graduating from the Albanian Military Academy in 1993, he was commissioned as Platoon Commander at Military Unit 9001. He completed the Basic Commando Course in 1994 and the Special Forces Course in 1999 in Türkiye.

Lt.Gen. Kingji has served various assignments including: Platoon Commander, Tactical Instructor, Team Leader of 7th Special Group in Commando Battalion; Deputy Commander of Special Forces Battalion, Staff Officer for Training and Evaluation in Joint Forces; Commander of 3rd Battalion in Land Force, Commander of Support Battalion of the General Staff; Commander of the Military Police Battalion; as Defense Attache in Romania; In September 2020 he was promoted in the rank of “Brigadier General” and in October was assigned as Commander of Albanian Land Forces;

In August 02, 2022, Lt.GEN. Kingji was promoted as Chief of General Staff of Albanian Armed Forces,by decree of the President of Republic of Albania. In November 27th, 2024 he was promoted “Lieutenant General” the highest military rank in Albanian Armed Forces.

Lt.GEN. Kingji has served in four tours of duty: three in Afghanistan (2003; 2009; 2012) and one in Iraq (2006) as Contingent Commander.

He Has been awarded with various medals for his achievements during his long military career, including “Golden Eagle” Medal awarded by President of Republic of Albania in 2003 (one of the highest National medal award), the Medal for Outstanding Services by MoD, the Meritorious Service Medal awarded by USA, the NATO/ISAF Medal; the International Service Medal; the Medal for Special Services; the Service Medal and the Career Medal.

Lt.GEN. Kingji speaks English and Turkish. He is married with two children.