100 Notable alumni of
National Defense University
Updated:
National Defense University is 1028th in the world, 374th in North America, and 352nd in the United States by aggregated alumni prominence. Below is the list of 100 notable alumni from National Defense University sorted by their wiki pages popularity. The directory includes famous graduates and former students along with research and academic staff.
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Benny Gantz
- Occupations
- military personnelpolitician
- Biography
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Benjamin "Benny" Gantz is an Israeli politician and retired army general. He served as a minister without portfolio from 2023 to 2024, as the minister of defense between 2020 and 2022, and as deputy prime minister between 2021 and 2022. From 2020 to 2021, he was the alternate prime minister.
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Dean Paul Martin
- Occupations
- aircraft pilotsingeractortelevision actortennis player
- Biography
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Dean Paul Martin Jr. was an American pop singer and film and television actor. A member of the California Air National Guard, Martin died in a crash during a military training flight. He was the son of entertainer Dean Martin.
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Herzi Halevi
- Occupations
- military personnelmilitary officer
- Biography
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Herzl "Herzi" Halevi is the Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, having taken the oath of office on 16 January 2023.
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Agustín Laje
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Graduated with counter-terrorism
- Occupations
- political scientistphilosopherwriterlecturerYouTuber
- Biography
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Agustín Laje Arrigoni is an Argentine conservative writer, political commentator and lecturer. He is the founder and president of the conservative think-tank Fundación Libre.
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Laura J. Richardson
- Occupations
- army officermilitary aviator
- Biography
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Laura Jane Richardson is a active United States Army general who last served as the commander of United States Southern Command from 2021 to 2024. Prior to that, she was the commanding general of United States Army North from 2019 to 2021.
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Andrii Taran
- Occupations
- politicianmilitary officer
- Biography
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Andriy Vasylyovych Taran is Ukraine's ambassador to Slovenia. He was the 16th Minister of Defence of Ukraine and before that a lieutenant general in the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
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Don Bacon
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- In 2004 graduated with Master of Arts
- Occupations
- assistant professorpolitician
- Biography
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Donald John Bacon is an American politician and retired military officer serving as the U.S. representative for Nebraska's 2nd congressional district since 2017. Before holding public office, he was a United States Air Force officer, retiring as brigadier general with time as wing commander at Ramstein Air Base, Germany and Offutt Air Force Base south of Omaha, Nebraska, prior to his retirement from the military in 2014. His district includes all of Omaha and the areas surrounding the Offutt base.
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Maurice Rose
- Occupations
- military officer
- Biography
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Maurice Rose was a career officer in the United States Army who attained the rank of major general. A veteran of World War I and World War II, Rose was commanding the 3rd Armored Division when he was killed in action in Germany during the closing days of the Second World War becoming the highest-ranking American killed by enemy fire during the war in Europe.
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Linda L. Fagan
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Graduated with Master of Science in national resource strategy
- Occupations
- military officer
- Biography
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Linda Lee Fagan is a former commandant of the United States Coast Guard who served from June 2022 to January 2025. Previously, in 2021, she became the 32nd vice commandant of the Coast Guard and the Coast Guard's first female four-star admiral. Before that, she was the commander of the Coast Guard Pacific Area with prior terms as Coast Guard Deputy for Operations, Policy, and Capabilities; commander, First Coast Guard District; and commander, Coast Guard Sector New York. Fagan is also the Coast Guard's first Gold Ancient Trident, the officer with the longest service record in the Marine Safety Field. In April 2021, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas announced her nomination as the next vice commandant of the Coast Guard, succeeding Charles W. Ray. She was confirmed on June 17, 2021, and assumed office on June 18.
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SM Shafiuddin Ahmed
- Occupations
- military officer
- Biography
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Sheikh Mohammad Shafiuddin Ahmed is a retired Bangladeshi four star general who was Chief of Army Staff (CAS) of the Bangladesh Army, from 24 June 2021 to 23 June 2024. Prior to his appointment as CAS, he served as the quartermaster general (QMG) of Bangladesh Army as a lieutenant general. In his 40 year long military career he has also served as director general of Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS), Director of Military Training (DMT), Besides commanding an infantry brigade and an infantry division.
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Ram Rothberg
- Occupations
- naval officermilitary officer
- Biography
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Aluf Ram Rothberg is a retired admiral in the Israel Defense Forces who was the head of the Israel Navy.
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Robert Brooks Brown
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Graduated with Master of Science in national security and strategic studies
- Biography
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Robert Brooks Brown is a retired United States Army general who served as commander of the United States Army Pacific. He now serves as president of the Association of the United States Army since 30 September 2021, having joined the organization as executive vice president in January 2021.
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Sarah Feinberg
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Studied in 2008-2009
- Occupations
- executiveofficialcivil servant
- Biography
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Sarah Elizabeth Feinberg is an American civic employee who previously served as the Interim President of the New York City Transit Authority from 2020 to 2021, and a former Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration. She was nominated for the role of MTA Chairperson but was ultimately not selected for the position. Her background is mostly in communications.
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Scott Stearney
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Graduated with Master of Science in National Resource Strategy
- Occupations
- aircraft pilotmilitary personnel
- Biography
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Scott Andrew Stearney was an American naval aviator and vice admiral of the United States Navy who served as commander of the Fifth Fleet based in Bahrain.
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Paco Moncayo
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Studied in 1981-1982
- Occupations
- military personnelpolitician
- Biography
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Paco Rosendo Moncayo Gallegos is an Ecuadorian politician and retired general who was Metropolitan Mayor of Quito from 2000 to 2009.
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William B. Garrett III
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Graduated with Master of Science in national security and strategic studies
- Occupations
- military officer
- Biography
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William Burke Garrett III is a retired lieutenant general in the United States Army who served as the deputy commander of United States European Command, and as the deputy commanding general of United States Army Forces Command.
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Gary L. Thomas
- Occupations
- United States Naval Aviator
- Biography
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Gary Lee Thomas is a retired United States Marine Corps four-star general. He was most recently the 35th Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps. Gen Thomas is a naval aviator who flew the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet and participated in combat operations during the Gulf War, the 2003 invasion of Iraq, and the War in Afghanistan. He has commanded at the squadron and Wing level and also led Marine Corps aviation's weapons school. Thomas is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and National Defense University.
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Robert McFarlane
- Occupations
- politicianmilitary officer
- Biography
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Robert Carl "Bud" McFarlane was an American Marine Corps officer who served as National Security Advisor to President Ronald Reagan from 1983 to 1985. Within the Reagan administration, McFarlane was a leading architect of the Strategic Defense Initiative, a project intended to defend the US from Soviet ballistic missile attacks. He resigned as National Security Adviser in late 1985 because of disagreements with other administration figures but remained involved in negotiations with Iran and with Hezbollah.
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Patrick S. Ryder
- Occupations
- spokesperson
- Biography
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Patrick S. Ryder is an American military officer and United States Air Force major general who served as the Pentagon Press Secretary, appointed August 4, 2022.
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Darren W. McDew
- Occupations
- military officer
- Biography
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Darren Wayne McDew is a retired United States Air Force general who served as the Commander of United States Transportation Command at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. His previous senior command positions include Commander of Air Mobility Command as a general and Commander, Eighteenth Air Force (18AF) as a lieutenant general. In March, 2019, soon after General McDew's retirement, United States Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao named him as Co-Chair of the Special Committee to Review the Federal Aviation Administration's Aircraft Certification Process. According to a letter from Secretary Chao, the Special Committee is "specifically tasked to review the 737 MAX 800 certification process from 2012 to 2017."
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Ronald Fogleman
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Studied in 1972
- Occupations
- military officer
- Biography
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Ronald Robert Fogleman is a retired United States Air Force general who served as the 15th Chief of Staff of the Air Force from 1994 to 1997 and as Commanding General of the United States Transportation Command from 1992 to 1994.
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Kenneth S. Wilsbach
- Years
- 1963-.. (age 62)
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Graduated with Master of Arts in national security strategy
- Occupations
- military officer
- Biography
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Kenneth Stephen Wilsbach is a United States Air Force general who serves as the commander of Air Combat Command. He previously served as the commander of Pacific Air Forces from 2020 to 2024.
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Stephen R. Lyons
- Born in
-
United States - Occupations
- military personnel
- Biography
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Stephen R. Lyons is a retired four-star general in the United States Army who last served as the 13th commander of the United States Transportation Command from August 2018 to October 2021. He previously served as the commanding general of United States Army Combined Arms Support Command/Sustainment Center of Excellence as well as the senior mission commander for Fort Lee, Virginia, from 2014 to 2015.
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Timothy D. Haugh
- Years
- 1969-.. (age 56)
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Graduated with Master of Science
- Occupations
- military leader
- Biography
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Timothy D. Haugh is a United States Air Force general who serves as the commander of the United States Cyber Command, director of the National Security Agency, and chief of the Central Security Service. He previously served as the deputy commander of the United States Cyber Command.
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Laura Cooper
- Occupations
- civil servant
- Biography
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Laura Katherine Cooper is an American civil servant. Ms. Cooper is the 2023 Federal Employee of the Year, awarded by the nonprofit, nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service to celebrate excellence in the U.S. federal civil service. She is Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russian, Ukrainian, and Eurasian affairs in the office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, and a career member of the Senior Executive Service (SES). In 2023, she was honored with the Presidential Rank Distinguished Executive Award, the highest annual award for career SES members. She previously served as principal director in the office of the Homeland Defense and Global Security Affairs.
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Richard M. Mills, Jr
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Graduated with Master of Science in national security policy
- Occupations
- diplomat
- Biography
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Richard Merrill Mills Jr. is an American diplomat serving as the United States ambassador to Nigeria since July 2024. He served as the United States deputy ambassador to the United Nations from 2020 to 2024 and, in that capacity, served as the U.S. Chargé d'Affaires and Acting Permanent Representative to the United Nations between January 20, 2021, and February 25, 2021, when Linda Thomas-Greenfield became ambassador. He previously served as the U.S. Chargé d'Affaires for Canada.
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Carla Provost
- Occupations
- law enforcement officerofficial
- Biography
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Carla L. Provost is a retired American government official who served as the Chief of the United States Border Patrol from August 2018 through January 2020. She was the first woman to serve as Chief of the Border Patrol, a career law enforcement position. Provost held numerous positions during her 25-year career in the Border Patrol, including serving as Deputy Chief beginning in October 2016, and Acting Chief from April 2017 until her promotion in August 2018.
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Yvette M. Davids
- Years
- 1967-.. (age 58)
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Graduated with Master of Science in National Resource Strategy
- Biography
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Yvette Marie Davids is a United States Navy vice admiral. She was the first Hispanic American woman to command a navy ship, and began serving as the first female Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy on 11 January 2024.
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Albert Calland
- Occupations
- military officer
- Biography
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Albert Melrose Calland III was a vice admiral in the United States Navy who was the deputy director for Strategic Operational Planning at the National Counterterrorism Center and commander of Naval Special Warfare Command from 2002 to 2004. He also previously served as Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency from July 2005 to July 2006 and commanded the Naval Special Warfare Development Group from 1997 to 1999.
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Andrea Thompson
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- In 2009 graduated with Master of Arts in national security and strategic studies
- Occupations
- military officerofficial
- Biography
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Andrea Lee Thompson is an American government official and former military officer. She is the former Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Affairs. Prior to this, she was the National Security Advisor to Vice President Mike Pence. Before entering government service, she was a career intelligence officer in the United States Army.
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Hugh W. Howard
- Biography
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Hugh W. Howard III is a retired United States Navy rear admiral who commanded the United States Naval Special Warfare Command from September 11, 2020 until August 19, 2022. He was previously the Commander of Special Operations Command Central from July 19, 2018, to July 20, 2020.
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Pasi Välimäki
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- 2015-2016 graduated with Master of Science
- Occupations
- military officer
- Biography
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Lt Gen Pasi Välimäki is a Finnish military officer, serving from 1 January 2022 as the Commander of the Finnish Army.
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Vincent R. Stewart
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Graduated with master's degree in national resource strategy
- Occupations
- military leader
- Biography
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Vincent Raymond Stewart was a Jamaican-born American lieutenant general in the United States Marine Corps who served as Deputy Commander at United States Cyber Command. He previously served as the 20th Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). LtGen Stewart, who held that post from January 23, 2015 through October 3, 2017, was the first African American, first Jamaican American and first Marine to hold the position of Director of the DIA. LtGen Stewart was the 2023 William Oliver Baker Award Recipient presented by the Intelligence and National Security Alliance.
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Mark Toner
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Graduated with master's degree in national resource strategy
- Occupations
- diplomatspokesperson
- Biography
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Mark Christopher Toner is a U.S. Foreign Service officer and former Spokesperson for the United States Department of State. He has served as the United States ambassador to Liberia since 2024.
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Paul G. Kaminski
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Studied in 1977
- Occupations
- military officer
- Biography
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Paul Garrett Kaminski is a technologist and former U.S. government official, best known for his leading role in the development of stealth aircraft.
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Kevin Scarce
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Graduated with master's degree
- Occupations
- chancellorgovernorbusiness executivenaval officercivil servant
- Biography
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Rear Admiral Kevin John Scarce, AC, CSC is a retired Royal Australian Navy officer who was the 34th Governor of South Australia, serving from August 2007 to August 2014. He was succeeded by Hieu Van Le, who had previously been his lieutenant governor. He was the 16th Chancellor of the University of Adelaide from 2014 to 2020.
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Heidi J. Hoyle
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Graduated with Master of Science in national security
- Occupations
- military personnel
- Biography
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Heidi Jo Hoyle-Cleotelis is a lieutenant general in the United States Army who has served as the deputy chief of staff for logistics of the United States Army since 2023. She was the 22nd commanding general of the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, serving from 23 June 2020 to 20 July 2022. She previously served as the 41st chief of ordnance and commandant of the United States Army Ordnance School.
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Michael D. Barbero
- Years
- 1953-.. (age 72)
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Graduated with Master of Science in national security and strategic studies
- Biography
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Michael Douglas Barbero is a retired United States Army Lieutenant General and consultant.
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James Geurts
- Biography
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James F. Geurts is an American former government official and retired United States Air Force colonel who served in 2021 as the official performing the duties of United States Under Secretary of the Navy.
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Susan Pamerleau
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Studied in 1984-1985
- Occupations
- politicianlaw enforcement officermilitary leader
- Biography
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Susan Lewellyn Pamerleau is a retired United States Air Force major general who served from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2016, as the Republican sheriff of Bexar County, Texas. She is the United States Marshal for the Western District of Texas.
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Colin J. Kilrain
- Years
- 1958-.. (age 67)
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Graduated with Master of Science in national resource strategy
- Biography
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Colin James Kilrain is a retired United States Navy vice admiral who last served as the assistant to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from October 20, 2021 to February 2023. He previously served as the associate director for military affairs (ADMA) for the Central Intelligence Agency from 2019 to 2021. He is the former commander of Special Operations Command Pacific and Naval Special Warfare Group Two.
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Murlidhar Sadashiv Pawar
- Biography
-
Vice Admiral Murlidhar Sadashiv Pawar, PVSM, AVSM, VSM is a retired officer of the Indian Navy. He served as the Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff. He assumed office from Vice Admiral G Ashok Kumar on 30 January 2019 and served till 31 May 2021 till his retirement. He is succeeded by Vice Admiral Ravneet Singh. Prior to this appointment, he served as chief of staff, Eastern Naval Command.
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Laura Farnsworth Dogu
- Years
- 1964-.. (age 61)
- Occupations
- diplomat
- Biography
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Laura Farnsworth Dogu is an author and diplomat who is the United States Ambassador to Honduras. She previously served as the United States Ambassador to Nicaragua in the Obama administration.
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Jeffery Broadwater
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Graduated with Master of Science in national security and strategic studies
- Occupations
- military officer
- Biography
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Jeffery D. Broadwater is a retired United States Army major general who last served as deputy commanding general of V Corps from August 2021 to July 2023. He previously served as commanding general of the 1st Cavalry Division from October 2019 to July 2021. Prior to that, he served as commanding general of the Fort Irwin National Training Center from November 2016 to September 2019.
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Helen La Lime
- Years
- 1951-.. (age 74)
- Occupations
- diplomat
- Biography
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Helen Ruth Meagher La Lime is a diplomat, former United States Ambassador to Angola, and United Nations Special Representative in Haiti.
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Kim Olson
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Graduated with Master of Arts
- Occupations
- politicianmilitary officer
- Biography
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Kimberly D. Olson is an American non-profit executive, politician, and retired military officer from the state of Texas. She served in the United States Air Force for 25 years, reaching the rank of colonel. She was the Democratic Party nominee for Texas Agriculture Commissioner in the 2018 elections and a candidate in the 2020 elections seeking to represent Texas's 24th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives.
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Deborah R. Malac
- Years
- 1955-.. (age 70)
- Occupations
- diplomat
- Biography
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Deborah Ruth Malac is an American diplomat, who served as the United States Ambassador to Uganda. She was nominated by President Barack Obama and was confirmed by the Senate Nov. 19, 2015. She previously served as United States Ambassador to Liberia.
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Chaudhry Faisal Mushtaq
- Biography
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Chaudhry Faisal Mushtaq is a Pakistani academic, school practitioner and former caretaker provincial minister for education of the Punjab. He is the founder and chief executive officer of Roots Millennium Schools, Pakistan and is the executive director and member of the board of directors of the Roots School System.
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Christopher Bogdan
- Occupations
- military leader
- Biography
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Christopher Carl Bogdan is a retired United States Air Force Lieutenant General who served as the Program Executive Officer for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office in Arlington, Virginia. Previously, he was the Deputy Program Executive Officer. Before that, he served as the Program Executive Officer and Program Director, KC-46 Tanker Modernization Directorate, Aeronautical Systems Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.
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Lajos Fodor
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Studied in 1995-1996
- Occupations
- soldierpoliticiandiplomat
- Biography
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Col. Gen. Lajos Fodor is a retired Hungarian military officer and diplomat, who served as the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Hungary from 1 August 1999 to 28 February 2003.
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Thomas S. James, Jr
- Biography
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Thomas Sease James Jr. is a retired United States Army lieutenant general who last served as the 39th Commanding General of the First United States Army headquartered at Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois. He held his latest position from October 29, 2018, to July 8, 2021, after having previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff for United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command/United States Forces Korea.
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Lee Price
- Occupations
- military personnel
- Biography
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N. Lee S. Price is a retired United States Army officer who last served as the Program Executive Officer for the United States Army's Program Executive Office, Command Control Communications-Tactical, headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground.
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Leslie C. Smith
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Graduated with Master of Arts in national security and strategic studies
- Occupations
- military officer
- Biography
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Leslie C. Smith is a retired United States Army lieutenant general who last served as the 66th Inspector General of the United States Army. Since 2002, he has served as the vice president for leadership and education at the Association of the United States Army
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Robert P. Jackson
- Occupations
- diplomat
- Biography
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Robert Porter Jackson is a retired American foreign service officer and diplomat. He was a career member of the Senior Foreign Service with the rank of Minister-Counselor.
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Nina Maria Fite
- Occupations
- diplomatUnited States Ambassador to Angola
- Biography
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Nina Maria Fite is an American diplomat and a career member of the Senior Foreign Service who served as the United States Ambassador to Angola from 2018 to 2021. Prior to assuming her role as ambassador, Fite served as Principal Officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Montreal, Canada. Since becoming a diplomat in 1990, Fite has served at seven U.S. overseas missions. On September 2, 2017, President Donald Trump announced his intent to nominate Fite to serve as an ambassador of the United States to Angola. On September 5, 2017, her nomination was sent to the Senate. Her nomination was reported favorably out of committee on October 26. She was confirmed by the United States Senate by voice vote on November 2, 2017. She presented her credentials on February 14, 2018. Her term as ambassador ended on November 8, 2021. Fite's diplomatic assignments have included posts in Lahore as Consul General, in Kabul as Deputy Economic Counselor, and in Luanda as the Political/Economic Section Chief. She has also been on assignment with the Office of the United States Trade Representative. She appointed Chargé d'Affaires ad interim Moldova on July 10, 2024.
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Robert Cekuta
- Occupations
- diplomat
- Biography
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Robert Francis Cekuta is a career Foreign Service Officer, and served as U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan from February 2015 through March 2018.
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Brian S. Robinson
- Years
- 20th Century
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Graduated with Master of Science
- Occupations
- military leader
- Biography
-
Brian Scott Robinson is a United States Air Force lieutenant general who has served as commander of the Air Education and Training Command since May 20, 2022. He previously served as the deputy commander of the Air Mobility Command.
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Robert Snyder
- Born in
- United States
- Occupations
- politician
- Biography
-
Robert Snyder is a former United States soldier and former interim Chief of Staff of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs since January 2016.
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William E. Brougher
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Studied in 1933
- Occupations
- military personnel
- Biography
-
William Edward Brougher was a brigadier general in the United States Army.
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AR Karve
- Biography
-
Abhay Raghunath Karve PVSM, AVSM is a retired Indian Navy Vice Admiral. He last served as the 27th Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Southern Naval Command. He retired on 30 July 2018 and was succeeded by Vice Admiral Anil Kumar Chawla.
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Brian W. Cavanaugh
- Years
- 1968-.. (age 57)
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Graduated with Master of Science in national resource strategy
- Occupations
- military leader
- Biography
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Brian Woodburn Cavanaugh is a retired United States Marine Corps lieutenant general who served as the commander of the United States Marine Corps Forces Command and Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic from 2022 to 2024. He most recently served as Commanding General of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing from 2021 to 2022, and previously served as the Assistant Deputy Commandant for Programs of the United States Marine Corps.
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Wilhelm D. Styer
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Studied in 1940
- Occupations
- engineer
- Biography
-
Wilhelm Delp Styer was a lieutenant general in the United States Army during World War II. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point with the class of 1916, he was commissioned into the United States Army Corps of Engineers and served with the Pancho Villa Expedition and on the Western Front. Between the wars he obtained a degree in civil engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He was executive officer and assistant district engineer of the New York Engineer District.
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Edward Higgins White, Sr
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Studied in 1934
- Occupations
- military leader
- Biography
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Edward Higgins White was a United States Air Force general who served in the United States Army Air Forces Budget Office during World War II and commanded the 1503rd Air Transport Wing in the Korean War.
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David M. Thomas Jr
- Years
- 1958-.. (age 67)
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Graduated with Master of Science
- Occupations
- military officer
- Biography
-
David M. Thomas is a former senior officer in the United States Navy.
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William D. Byrne Jr
- Years
- 1964-.. (age 61)
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Graduated with Master of Science
- Occupations
- military officer
- Biography
-
William Declan Byrne Jr. is a retired United States Navy rear admiral who last served as director of warfare development in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. He previously served as the vice director of the Joint Staff. Byrne also served as the 85th Commandant of Midshipmen of the United States Naval Academy from May 2013 to June 2015.
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Leon E. Salomon
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Studied in 1978
- Occupations
- military personnel
- Biography
-
General Leon Edward Salomon was a United States Army general who served as Chief of Ordnance of the United States Army from 1986 to 1988.
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Kyle Cozad
- Years
- 1962-.. (age 63)
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Graduated with Master of Science in national resource management
- Occupations
- military officer
- Biography
-
Kyle James Cozad is a retired United States Navy rear admiral who was the former Chief of Naval Education and Training from 2017 to 2020.
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James E. Hill
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Studied in 1964
- Occupations
- military officer
- Biography
-
General James Erskine Hill was a World War II flying ace, United States Air Force general, and commander in chief of the North American Air Defense Command and the U.S. Air Force Aerospace Defense Command, with consolidated headquarters at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado Springs, Colorado.
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Margaret W. Burcham
- Years
- 1960-.. (age 65)
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Graduated with Master of Science in national security strategy
- Occupations
- civil engineersoldier
- Biography
-
Margaret Williams Burcham is a retired brigadier general of the United States Army. She was the first female brigadier general in the United States Army Corps of Engineers.
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James R. Allen
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Studied in 1965
- Occupations
- military officer
- Biography
-
General James Rodgers Allen was commander-in-chief of the Military Airlift Command, with headquarters at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, in the United States.
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James A. Watson
- Years
- 1956-.. (age 69)
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Graduated with Master of Science in strategic studies
- Occupations
- military officer
- Biography
-
James Angus Watson IV is a retired United States Coast Guard Rear Admiral. He currently serves as a senior vice president at the American Bureau of Shipping.
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Peter H. Vrooman
- Occupations
- diplomat
- Biography
-
Peter Hendrick Vrooman is an American diplomat who has served as the United States ambassador to Mozambique since 2022. He previously served as the United States ambassador to Rwanda from 2018 to 2022.
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DeWolfe Miller III
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Graduated with Master of Science
- Biography
-
DeWolfe H. "Chip" Miller III is a former vice admiral in the United States Navy who retired as the Commander, Naval Air Forces (aka "the Air Boss"), which is also Type Commander (TYCOM) for all United States Navy aviation units, and dual-hatted as Commander, Naval Air Force, Pacific.
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Billy K. Solomon
- Occupations
- military officer
- Biography
-
Billy King Solomon is a retired Quartermaster officer, U.S. Army Lieutenant General and former Commander of the Combined Arms Support Command, Fort Lee, Virginia.
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Fred D. Robinson, Jr
- Years
- 1954-.. (age 71)
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Graduated with Master of Science in national security and strategic studies
- Occupations
- military officer
- Biography
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Major General Fred "Doug" Robinson Jr. a native of Bolivar, Tennessee, was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Army from the University of Tennessee. As of 2007, he was commanding general of Army Research, Development and Engineering Command in the United States Army.
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David Furness
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Graduated with master's degree in national security policy studies and national security studies
- Occupations
- military officer
- Biography
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David J. Furness is a retired United States Marine Corps lieutenant general who last served as the Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies, and Operations from August 2021 to July 2023. He previously was the Assistant Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies and Operations from August 2020 to August 2021.
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James A. Johnson
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Studied in 1966
- Occupations
- military engineer
- Biography
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James Allen Johnson was a major general in the United States Army who served as Commandant of the U.S. Army Engineer School at Fort Belvoir, and as Deputy Chief of Engineers. He was awarded two Distinguished Service Medals, the Silver Star, two Legion of Merit decorations, two Bronze Star Medals, two Purple Hearts, the Air Medal, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, and the Parachute Badge.
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Manson K. Brown
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Graduated with Master of Science in national resource strategy
- Occupations
- military officer
- Biography
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Manson K. Brown is an American retired U.S. Coast Guard Vice Admiral (VADM) and public official. His top military decoration is the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal. In 1994, he became the first recipient of the Coast Guard Captain John G. Witherspoon Award for Inspirational Leadership. In 2012, he was honored with the Golden Torch Award by the National Society for Black Engineers. In 2014, he was honored by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People with the Meritorious Service Award, an honor annually bestowed to a service member in a policy-making position for the highest achievement in military equal opportunity. Off duty, he is an active road cyclist.
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Silas B. Hays
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Studied in 1940
- Occupations
- military physiciansurgeon
- Biography
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Silas Beach Hays was a major general who served as Surgeon General of the United States Army.
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Elvin R. Heiberg III
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Studied in 1971
- Occupations
- military officer
- Biography
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Elvin Ragnvald Heiberg III was a United States Army general who was Chief of Engineers between 1984 and 1988.
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Bradford Gering
- Years
- 1967-.. (age 58)
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Graduated with Master of Science in national security strategy
- Occupations
- military leader
- Biography
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Bradford J. Gering is a United States Marine Corps lieutenant general who has served as the deputy commandant for aviation of the United States Marine Corps since February 2024. He most recently served as the acting commanding general of I Marine Expeditionary Force from August 2023 to February 2024. He previously served as commanding general of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing from July 2021 to June 2023. He also served as Deputy Director of Operations of the United States Africa Command. Previously, he was the Deputy Commander of the United States Marine Corps Forces Command. In 1989, Gering was commissioned as a second lieutenant. From 2012 to 2014, he was the commanding officer of Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One at MCAS Yuma in Arizona.
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Kristin Panzenhagen
- Years
- 1978-.. (age 47)
- Occupations
- military officer
- Biography
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Kristin Leigh Panzenhagen is a United States Space Force brigadier general who serves program executive officer for Assured Access to Space, director of launch and range operations of Space Systems Command, commander of Space Launch Delta 45, and director of the Eastern Range. She previously served as the senior military assistant to the under secretary of the Air Force.
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Gail A. Curley
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Graduated with Master of Science
- Occupations
- lawyermilitary officer
- Biography
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Gail Anne Curley is the 11th Marshal of the United States Supreme Court, serving since June 21, 2021. Before beginning her term as Marshal, she served as a staff judge advocate (attorney) in the United States Army.
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Pamela Tremont
- Occupations
- diplomat
- Biography
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Pamela Marie Tremont is an American diplomat who has served as the United States ambassador to Zimbabwe since 2024.
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Anthony Henderson
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Studied in 2009-2010
- Occupations
- military personnel
- Biography
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Anthony M. Henderson is a major general in the United States Marine Corps and is currently serving as the Commanding General, Marine Corps Training Command.
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Aaron R. Dean II
- Born in
- United States
- Biography
-
Aaron R. Dean II is a retired United States Army brigadier general (BG) and the former adjutant general (TAG) of the District of Columbia National Guard (DCNG). As the TAG for the DCNG, Dean was responsible for providing personnel support to both Army and Air National Guard components. Dean acted as the auxiliary support to the commanding general of the DCNG, while concurrently carrying out many responsibilities associated with the District of Columbia's constitution and directives. In addition to this, he was responsible for managing the assets of the entire DCNG.
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James E. Smith
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Graduated with Master of Science in national resource strategy
- Occupations
- military officer
- Biography
-
James Earl Smith is a United States Space Force major general who serves as the vice director for joint force development at the Joint Staff. He previously served as the assistant deputy chief of space operations for operations, cyber, and nuclear. He also served as the deputy United States military representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and commander of the Peterson-Schriever Garrison.
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William W. Rogers
- Occupations
- military personnel
- Biography
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William Walter Rogers was a highly decorated officer of the United States Marine Corps with the rank of major general, who served as staff officer in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater during World War II.
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Byron Quinby Jones
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Studied in 1926
- Occupations
- aircraft pilotmilitary officer
- Biography
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Byron Quinby Jones was a pioneer aviator and an officer in the United States Army. Jones began and ended his career as a cavalry officer, but for a quarter century between 1914 and 1939, he was an aviator in the various organizations that were the Army's air arm. He appeared to be on track in the 1930s to becoming one of the senior commanders of the Air Corps, but his views on the role of airpower diverged from those of his Air Corps peers and he returned to the Army's ground forces at the beginning of World War II.
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David G. Bassett
- Occupations
- military officer
- Biography
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David G. Bassett is a retired United States Army lieutenant general who last served as the Director of the Defense Contract Management Agency. Previously, he was the Program Executive Officer for Command, Control and Communication (Tactical) of the United States Army.
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Deborah Kotulich
- Years
- 1968-.. (age 57)
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Graduated with Master of Science in national resource strategy
- Occupations
- military officer
- Biography
-
Deborah Louise Kotulich is a United States Army major general who has served as the deputy chief of Army Reserve since January 2024. She most recently served as director of the Army Recruiting and Retention Task Force from October 2022 to December 2023. She served as the chief of staff of The Naming Commission from November 2021 to its dissolution in October 2022, and as chief of staff of the United States Transportation Command from 2019 to 2021. Previously, she served as commander of the 143rd Sustainment Command.
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Richard R. Neely
- Biography
-
Richard R. Neely is a United States Air Force officer and the 40th Adjutant general of Illinois.
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Robert A. Rosenberg
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Studied in 1972
- Occupations
- military officer
- Biography
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Major General Robert Alan "Rosie" Rosenberg of United States Air Force was Director of Defense Mapping Agency from July 1985 to September 1987. Throughout his 30-year career with the U.S. Air Force, he was instrumental to the U.S. satellite program. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency inducted him into its Hall of Fame in 2005.
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David W. Gay
- Occupations
- military personnel
- Biography
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David William Gay was the Adjutant General of the state of Connecticut from 1992 to 1999. He began his military career with the United States Marine Corps and later transferred to the Army. He served for over 39 years in the military.
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Fernandez Ponds
- Years
- 1959-.. (age 66)
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Graduated with Master of Science in national security strategy
- Occupations
- military personnel
- Biography
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Fernandez Lewis "Frank" Ponds is a former United States Navy officer from the U.S. state of Alabama. He is the former commanding officer of the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD-3) and commanded the destroyer USS Fife (DD-991) in the early 2000s. He is also a former executive officer of the destroyer USS Paul F. Foster (DD-964).
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Beverly Kelley
- Years
- 1952-.. (age 73)
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Graduated with Master of Science in national resource management
- Occupations
- military personnelmilitary officer
- Biography
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Beverly G. Kelley was the first woman to command a U.S. military vessel.
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Peter Talleri
- Enrolled in National Defense University
- Graduated with Master of Science in national resource strategy
- Occupations
- military leader
- Biography
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Major General Peter John Talleri retired in September, 2013, after serving 34 years in the United States Marine Corps. At retirement, Maj. Gen. Talleri was the U. S. Marine Corps senior logistics professional in the Pacific.
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Robert Samuel Salzer
- Occupations
- military officer
- Biography
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Robert Samuel Salzer was a Vice Admiral of the United States Navy, who served in World War II, and commanded the United States Naval Forces in Vietnam.
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Richard Carlton Paschall III
- Occupations
- diplomat
- Biography
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Richard Carlton Paschall III is an American diplomat who served as the United States ambassador to the Gambia from 2019 to 2022.
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James W. Ball
- Occupations
- military officer
- Biography
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Major General James William Ball was a career officer in the United States Army who served as the 24th Chief of Ordnance for the United States Army Ordnance Corps.
