Richard D. Clarke Jr. (born 20 April 1962)[2] is a retired United States Army four-star general who last served as the 12th commander of United States Special Operations Command from 29 March 2019 to 30 August 2022. As the USSOCOM commander, Clarke oversaw the nation's elite special operations forces and played a pivotal role in shaping U.S. military strategy in various global theaters. Prior to assuming command of USSOCOM, Clarke served as Director for Strategic Plans and Policy (J5), Joint Staff, the Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia.
Clarke's service also includes numerous deployments, including in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Joint Guardian, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and Inherent Resolve. He was recognized for his leadership in the 75th Ranger Regiment, the 82nd Airborne Division, and the 10th Mountain Division.
Military career
Clarke and Joseph Dunford (left), at Clarke's promotion to general on 29 March 2019.
Clarke was born in West Germany and raised in an Army family. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, and commissioned into the Infantry Branch in 1984. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from West Point and a Master of Business Administration from Benedictine College. He is a distinguished graduate of the National War College and earned a master's degree in Security and Strategic Studies.
Clarke, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (center), and CENTCOM commander Gen Frank McKenzie visit the WebOPS building at MacDill Air Force Base on 18 June 2019.
Clarke has led soldiers at all levels in Airborne, Ranger, Mechanized and Light Infantry units in five different divisions, the 173rd Airborne Brigade, and the 75th Ranger Regiment in the United States, Europe, Iraq and Afghanistan. Clarke spent eight years in the 75th Ranger Regiment as a company commander from 1994 to 1996, then as a battalion commander from 2004 to 2006 and regimental commander from 2007 to 2009. He also served as battalion commander of 3rd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division from 2002 to 2004. His most recent assignments include serving as the Director for Strategic Plans and Policy (J5), Joint Staff, the Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia. from 2017 to 2019. General Clarke's other assignments as a general officer include: Deputy Commanding General for Operations, 10th Mountain Division from 2011 to 2013; the 74th Commandant of Cadets, United States Military Academy at West Point from 2013 to 2014; and the Commander of the 82nd Airborne Division from 2014 to 2016.
Clarke retired from the military and relinquished his command of USSOCOM to Bryan P. Fenton on 30 August 2022.[4] Clarke was elected to the board of defense contractor General Dynamics on 3 February 2023.[5]
Awards and decorations
Clarke delivers remarks at the USSOCOM 9/11 remembrance ceremony on 11 September 2021.
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