General Keane assumed duties as the 29th Vice Chief of Staff of the Army on 22 June 1999.
General Keane is an infantry officer who has commanded at every level, from company to corps, and has experience in all types of infantry - airborne, air assault, light, and mechanized. Prior to his current duties, he spent the last 20 years in command and staff assignments in support of operational and joint forces.
His commands include: the XVIII Airborne Corps, the Army's largest warfighting organization, consisting of 4 divisions and 13 separate brigades; the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault); the Joint Readiness Training Center; the 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division (Light); and the 3/39th and 4/23rd Infantry (Redesignated), 9th Infantry Division. He served as Chief of Staff, 10th Mountain Division (Light); Chief of Staff, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault); Assistant Division Commander, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault); Chief of Staff, XVIII Airborne Corps; and most recently, as Deputy Commander-in-Chief, United States Atlantic Command.
In his early years, General Keane was a platoon leader with the 82nd Airborne Division; a platoon leader and company commander in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault); a company commander and battalion S3 in Alaska with the 172nd Infantry Brigade; Military Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower and Reserve Affairs); and a battalion and brigade executive officer in the 9th Infantry Division.
General Keane graduated from Fordham University in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science Degree. He also holds a Master of Arts Degree from the Western Kentucky University. General Keane's military education includes the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the United States Army Command and General Staff College, and the United States Army War College.
General Keane's awards and decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star, five Legions of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, three Meritorious Service Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Ranger Tab, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Master Parachutist Badge, the Air Assault Badge, and the Army Staff Identification Badge.