Clifford L. Stanley
Encyclopedia
Clifford Lee Stanley is the United States
Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness
, having assumed that office in 2010.
, graduating with a bachelor's degree
in Psychology
in 1969.
Upon graduation, Stanley was commissioned
as a Second Lieutenant
in the United States Marine Corps
. After completing The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia
, he served as a fiscal and supply officer. After redesignation as an infantry
officer, he was a platoon commander; company commander in 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines
; Commanding Officer
of Headquarters Company
, 4th Marines; the Executive Officer
of 1st Battalion, 6th Marines
; and then Commanding Officer of the 1st Marines. Stanley was the first African American
to command a United States Marine regiment.
In 1977, Stanley was awarded an M.S. in Counseling by Johns Hopkins University
. He later attended the Amphibious Warfare School (1978) (see Marine Corps University
), the Naval War College
(1983), the U.S. Marine Corps Command and Staff College (1984) (see Marine Corps University
), and the National War College
(1988).
In the Marine Corps, Stanley served as a psychology and leadership instructor at the United States Naval Academy
; Executive Officer of the Marine Corps Institute
and Parade Commander at Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C.
; Special Assistant and Marine Corps Aide for the Assistant Secretary of the Navy
; and as a desk officer in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs
at the Pentagon
. Other assignments include: Depot Inspector and Commander, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island
; as one of the White House Fellows
, he served as Special Assistant to the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Fleet Marine Officer of the United States Second Fleet, stationed on board the USS Mount Whitney (LCC-20)
; Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower and Reserve Affairs (Manpower Plans & Policy); Director of Public Affairs at Headquarters Marine Corps
, Washington, D.C.
; Commanding General of Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms
; and finally as Commanding General of Marine Corps Base Quantico
. Stanley retired in 2002, having achieved the rank of Major General
. He holds the Legion of Merit
, Defense Meritorious Service Medal
, Meritorious Service Medal
with Gold Star, Navy Commendation Medal, and Navy Achievement Medal.
Stanley attended the University of Pennsylvania
, earning an Ed.D. He has also received honorary
LL.D.s from Spalding University
and his alma mater
South Carolina State University.
In 2004, Stanley became president of Scholarship America
, where he served until 2009.
He has also served as a member of the Board of Directors
of the White House Fellowship Association and of the McCormick Educational Foundation. He also served on the Board of Trustees for Spalding University, as the District Chair for the Northern District of the Boy Scouts of America
, on the Board of Governors
for the Civil War and Underground Railroad Museum of Philadelphia
, and as the President of the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter of the South Carolina State University Alumni Association.
In October 2009, President of the United States
Barack Obama
nominated Stanley as Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness
. After he was confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Stanley was sworn in as Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness on February 16, 2010.
In November of 2009, a private non-profit organization, Americans for Limited Government
published a 'nominee alert' in which were cited various reasons that Stanley should not have been selected for his current position. "
Press reports in late 2011 indicated the Department of Defense's inspector general was investigating Stanley's office due to "highly detailed allegations of gross mismanagement and abuse of power."
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness
Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness
The Under Secretary for Personnel and Readiness, or USD is a high-ranking civilian position in the Office of the Secretary of Defense within the United States Department of Defense responsible for advising the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense on recruitment, career development, pay and...
, having assumed that office in 2010.
Biography
Clifford L. Stanley was educated at South Carolina State UniversitySouth Carolina State University
South Carolina State University is a historically black university located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, United States. It is the only state funded, historically black land-grant institution in South Carolina and is a member school of the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund.- Colleges, departments,...
, graduating with a bachelor's degree
Bachelor's degree
A bachelor's degree is usually an academic degree awarded for an undergraduate course or major that generally lasts for three or four years, but can range anywhere from two to six years depending on the region of the world...
in Psychology
Psychology
Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. Its immediate goal is to understand individuals and groups by both establishing general principles and researching specific cases. For many, the ultimate goal of psychology is to benefit society...
in 1969.
Upon graduation, Stanley was commissioned
Officer (armed forces)
An officer is a member of an armed force or uniformed service who holds a position of authority. Commissioned officers derive authority directly from a sovereign power and, as such, hold a commission charging them with the duties and responsibilities of a specific office or position...
as a Second Lieutenant
Second Lieutenant
Second lieutenant is a junior commissioned officer military rank in many armed forces.- United Kingdom and Commonwealth :The rank second lieutenant was introduced throughout the British Army in 1871 to replace the rank of ensign , although it had long been used in the Royal Artillery, Royal...
in the United States Marine Corps
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
. After completing The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia
Quantico, Virginia
- Demographics :As of the census of 2000, there are 561 people, 295 households, and 107 families living in the town. The population density is . There are 359 housing units at an average density of .-Racial composition:...
, he served as a fiscal and supply officer. After redesignation as an infantry
Infantry
Infantrymen are soldiers who are specifically trained for the role of fighting on foot to engage the enemy face to face and have historically borne the brunt of the casualties of combat in wars. As the oldest branch of combat arms, they are the backbone of armies...
officer, he was a platoon commander; company commander in 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines
3rd Battalion 8th Marines
3rd Battalion 8th Marines is an infantry battalion in the United States Marine Corps based out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina consisting of approximately 1,100 Marines and Sailors...
; Commanding Officer
Commanding officer
The commanding officer is the officer in command of a military unit. Typically, the commanding officer has ultimate authority over the unit, and is usually given wide latitude to run the unit as he sees fit, within the bounds of military law...
of Headquarters Company
Headquarters and Service Company
A Headquarters and Service Company is a company sized military unit, found at the battalion level and higher in the United States Marine Corps. In identifying a specific headquarters unit, it is usually referred to by its abbreviation as H&S...
, 4th Marines; the Executive Officer
Executive officer
An executive officer is generally a person responsible for running an organization, although the exact nature of the role varies depending on the organization.-Administrative law:...
of 1st Battalion, 6th Marines
1st Battalion 6th Marines
The 1st Battalion, 6th Marines is an infantry battalion in the United States Marine Corps based in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. It consists of approximately 1,100 Marines and Sailors...
; and then Commanding Officer of the 1st Marines. Stanley was the first African American
African American
African Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have at least partial ancestry from any of the native populations of Sub-Saharan Africa and are the direct descendants of enslaved Africans within the boundaries of the present United States...
to command a United States Marine regiment.
In 1977, Stanley was awarded an M.S. in Counseling by Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University
The Johns Hopkins University, commonly referred to as Johns Hopkins, JHU, or simply Hopkins, is a private research university based in Baltimore, Maryland, United States...
. He later attended the Amphibious Warfare School (1978) (see Marine Corps University
Marine Corps University
The Marine Corps University reports to the United States Marine Corps Training And Education Command. It was established on August 1, 1989 by General Alfred M...
), the Naval War College
Naval War College
The Naval War College is an education and research institution of the United States Navy that specializes in developing ideas for naval warfare and passing them along to officers of the Navy. The college is located on the grounds of Naval Station Newport in Newport, Rhode Island...
(1983), the U.S. Marine Corps Command and Staff College (1984) (see Marine Corps University
Marine Corps University
The Marine Corps University reports to the United States Marine Corps Training And Education Command. It was established on August 1, 1989 by General Alfred M...
), and the National War College
National War College
The National War College of the United States is a school in the National Defense University. It is housed in Roosevelt Hall on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., the third-oldest Army post still active. It was officially established on July 1, 1946, as an upgraded replacement for the...
(1988).
In the Marine Corps, Stanley served as a psychology and leadership instructor at the United States Naval Academy
United States Naval Academy
The United States Naval Academy is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located in Annapolis, Maryland, United States...
; Executive Officer of the Marine Corps Institute
Marine Corps Institute
The Marine Corps Institute, commonly referred to as MCI, develops and maintains a curriculum of Marine Corps education. Subjects include infantry strategy/tactics, leadership skills, MOS qualifications, personal finance, and mathematics...
and Parade Commander at Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C.
Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C.
Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C. is located at 8th and I Streets, Southeast in Washington, D.C. Established in 1801, it is a National Historic Landmark, the oldest post in the United States Marine Corps, the official residence of the Commandant of the Marine Corps since 1806, and main ceremonial...
; Special Assistant and Marine Corps Aide for the Assistant Secretary of the Navy
Assistant Secretary of the Navy
Assistant Secretary of the Navy is the title given to certain civilian senior officials in the United States Department of the Navy....
; and as a desk officer in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs
Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs
The Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs is the head of the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs within the United States Department of State. The Assistant Secretary guides operation of the U.S...
at the Pentagon
The Pentagon
The Pentagon is the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, located in Arlington County, Virginia. As a symbol of the U.S. military, "the Pentagon" is often used metonymically to refer to the Department of Defense rather than the building itself.Designed by the American architect...
. Other assignments include: Depot Inspector and Commander, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island
Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island
Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island is an military installation located within Port Royal, South Carolina, approximately south of Beaufort, the community that is typically associated with the installation. MCRD Parris Island is used for the training of enlisted Marines...
; as one of the White House Fellows
White House Fellows
The White House Fellows program was established by President of the United States Lyndon B. Johnson in October 1964. President Johnson articulated that the mission of the program was "to give the Fellows first hand, high-level experience with the workings of the federal government and to increase...
, he served as Special Assistant to the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Fleet Marine Officer of the United States Second Fleet, stationed on board the USS Mount Whitney (LCC-20)
USS Mount Whitney (LCC-20)
The USS Mount Whitney is a Blue Ridge class command ship of the US Navy; it is the flagship of the Sixth Fleet. She is also the command and control ship for the Commander Joint Command Lisbon and the Commander Striking Force NATO...
; Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower and Reserve Affairs (Manpower Plans & Policy); Director of Public Affairs at Headquarters Marine Corps
Headquarters Marine Corps
Headquarters Marine Corps is a headquarters staff within the Department of the Navy which includes the offices of the Commandant of the Marine Corps, the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps and various staff functions...
, Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
; Commanding General of Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms
Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms
The Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center , also known as 29 Palms, is a United States Marine Corps base. It was a census-designated place officially known as Twentynine Palms Base located adjacent to the city of Twentynine Palms in southern San Bernardino County, California. As of the 2000...
; and finally as Commanding General of Marine Corps Base Quantico
Marine Corps Base Quantico
Marine Corps Base Quantico, sometimes abbreviated MCB Quantico, is a major United States Marine Corps training base located near Triangle, Virginia, covering nearly in southern Prince William County, northern Stafford County, and southeastern Fauquier County...
. Stanley retired in 2002, having achieved the rank of Major General
Major general (United States)
In the United States Army, United States Marine Corps, and United States Air Force, major general is a two-star general-officer rank, with the pay grade of O-8. Major general ranks above brigadier general and below lieutenant general...
. He holds the Legion of Merit
Legion of Merit
The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements...
, Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
The Defense Meritorious Service Medal is the third-highest award bestowed upon members of the United States military by the United States Department of Defense...
, Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal (United States)
The Meritorious Service Medal is a military decoration presented to members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States subsequent to January 16, 1969...
with Gold Star, Navy Commendation Medal, and Navy Achievement Medal.
Stanley attended the University of Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania is a private, Ivy League university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Penn is the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States,Penn is the fourth-oldest using the founding dates claimed by each institution...
, earning an Ed.D. He has also received honorary
Honorary degree
An honorary degree or a degree honoris causa is an academic degree for which a university has waived the usual requirements, such as matriculation, residence, study, and the passing of examinations...
LL.D.s from Spalding University
Spalding University
Spalding University is a private, co-educational university affiliated with the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth and located in Louisville, Kentucky.-History:...
and his alma mater
Alma mater
Alma mater , pronounced ), was used in ancient Rome as a title for various mother goddesses, especially Ceres or Cybele, and in Christianity for the Virgin Mary.-General term:...
South Carolina State University.
In 2004, Stanley became president of Scholarship America
Scholarship America
Scholarship America is a Minnesota-based American philanthropic organization that assists communities, corporations, foundations and individuals with fundraising, managing and awarding scholarships to students...
, where he served until 2009.
He has also served as a member of the Board of Directors
Board of directors
A board of directors is a body of elected or appointed members who jointly oversee the activities of a company or organization. Other names include board of governors, board of managers, board of regents, board of trustees, and board of visitors...
of the White House Fellowship Association and of the McCormick Educational Foundation. He also served on the Board of Trustees for Spalding University, as the District Chair for the Northern District of the Boy Scouts of America
Boy Scouts of America
The Boy Scouts of America is one of the largest youth organizations in the United States, with over 4.5 million youth members in its age-related divisions...
, on the Board of Governors
Board of governors
Board of governors is a term sometimes applied to the board of directors of a public entity or non-profit organization.Many public institutions, such as public universities, are government-owned corporations. The British Broadcasting Corporation was managed by a board of governors, though this role...
for the Civil War and Underground Railroad Museum of Philadelphia
Civil War and Underground Railroad Museum of Philadelphia
The Civil War and Underground Railroad Museum of Philadelphia in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, claims to be the oldest chartered American Civil War institution in the United States...
, and as the President of the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter of the South Carolina State University Alumni Association.
In October 2009, President of the United States
President of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
Barack Obama
Barack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
nominated Stanley as Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness
Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness
The Under Secretary for Personnel and Readiness, or USD is a high-ranking civilian position in the Office of the Secretary of Defense within the United States Department of Defense responsible for advising the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense on recruitment, career development, pay and...
. After he was confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Stanley was sworn in as Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness on February 16, 2010.
In November of 2009, a private non-profit organization, Americans for Limited Government
Americans for Limited Government
Americans for Limited Government describes itself as a non-partisan, nationwide network committed to advancing free-market reforms, private property rights and core American liberties...
published a 'nominee alert' in which were cited various reasons that Stanley should not have been selected for his current position. "
Press reports in late 2011 indicated the Department of Defense's inspector general was investigating Stanley's office due to "highly detailed allegations of gross mismanagement and abuse of power."