Jesse McIlvane Carter (April 12, 1863 – June 23, 1930) was a United States Army Major General who served as Chief of the Militia Bureau.

In the years immediately prior to the Spanish–American War, Carter commanded Troop C, 5th Cavalry at New Orleans, Tampa, Mobile and Huntsville.

[7] From 1912 to 1914 Carter served as a member of the Cavalry Board, the committee charged with reviewing tactics, weapons and equipment, and making recommendations for improvement.

[12][13][14] In August, 1918 Carter was appointed commander of the 11th Infantry Division, at Fort Meade, Maryland, and began training in anticipation of front line service in France.

Until his retirement he advocated for reforms to the National Guard, including a plan to have state Adjutants General be appointed from among officers of the regular Army.

He also planned for the National Guard's post-war reorganization and reequipping, taking steps to standardize training and other requirements in order to align them with the regular Army.

[23] Congress subsequently passed a special act making Carter a permanent major general on the retired list, to date from June 21, 1930.