Major General Stephen Douglas Tom assumed the duties as Chief of Staff for U.S. Pacific Command August 2007.

He attended the University of Michigan where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1971. In 1971, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant through the Army Reserve Officer's Training Corps Program at the University. He continued his civilian education by entering Boston University School of Law, and graduated with a Juris Doctor degree in 1974.

After completing the U.S Army Field Artillery Officer Basic Course in 1975, Major General Tom has served in the following U.S. Army Reserve assignments with IX Corps (Reinf)/9th Army Reserve Command/ 9th Regional Support Command: Military Justice Officer, Document Control Officer, Personnel Actions Officer, Personnel Management Officer, Assistant Adjutant General, Adjutant General, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans, Chief of Staff, and Deputy Commander. From April 1992 through July 1995, he commanded the 322d Civil Affairs Brigade at Ft DeRussy, Hawaii. In September 1999, he was assigned to Eighth United States Army, Yongsan, Korea as the Assistant Chief of Staff G5 (Wartime) and served in that capacity until July 2003. During this tour he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in October 2000.

In addition to the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course, Major General Tom is a graduate of the Judge Advocate Officer Basic Course, the Adjutant General Officer's Advance Course, Command and General Staff College, the Civil Affairs Officer's Advanced Course, and the Army War College.

His military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (1 OLC), Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (3 OLC), and Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon.

In his civilian capacity, Major General Tom is an attorney in the private practice of law, and is a partner in a law firm.