LTG Richard Clarke has been nominated for a fourth star and is likely to be the next commander of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) based in Tampa, Florida. He spent six years with the 75th Ranger Regiment. He also served as operations officer for the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). He has a strong background in airborne and infantry divisions as well. He is currently serving as Director for Strategic Plans and Policy, J5, Joint Staff at the Pentagon.
Deployments and Assignments
He graduated from West Point in 1984 and entered the Army as an infantry officer. His first assignment was as a rifle platoon leader with the 1st Battalion, 48th Infantry, 3rd Armored Division. He commanded the 3rd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division. He would later command the 82nd Airborne Division. His other unit assignments include time with the 173rd Airborne Brigade and 10th Mountain Division. In addition, he has served in numerous staff positions at service and joint level.
He served with the 75th Ranger Regiment as a company and battalion commander. He also commanded the regiment from 2007-2009. LTG Clarke has deployed on numerous tours overseas in conflicts to include Desert Shield / Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Inherent Resolve.
Education
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from West Point and a Master of Business Administration from Benedictine College. He is also a graduate of the National War College with a Master’s degree in Security and Strategic Studies.
References:
Biography – Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS)
www.jcs.mil/Leadership/Article-View/Article/994440/lt-gen-richard-d-clarke/
Nomination fourth star – U.S. Congress
www.congress.gov/nomination/115th-congress/2376
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Photo: DoD photo from his online biography cited above. Photo is dated August 9, 2017.
