Raymond T. Odierno
Encyclopedia
Raymond T. Odierno is a United States Army
general
and the 38th and current Chief of Staff of the Army
. Odierno most recently commanded United States Joint Forces Command
from October 2010 until its disestablishment in August 2011. He served as Commanding General, United States Forces – Iraq
and its predecessor, Multi-National Force – Iraq, from September 2008 through September 2010. Prior to that, he served as Commanding General, III Corps, from May 2006 to May 2008. General Odierno is the twelfth American military officer to command at the Division, Corps, and Army level during the same conflict and only the second to have this honor since the Vietnam War. He assumed his current assignment on September 7, 2011.
Prior to commanding III Corps, he served as Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
in Washington, where he was the primary military advisor to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
from 3 November 2004 to 1 May 2006.
, where he attended Morris Hills High School
, followed by the United States Military Academy
at West Point. He graduated in June 1976 with a Bachelor of Science
degree. He later received a Master of Science
degree in nuclear effects engineering
from the North Carolina State University
and a Master of Arts
degree national security and strategy
from the Naval War College
. In December 2010 he received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from North Carolina State University
. General Odierno is also a graduate of the U.S. Army War College
.
and U.S. Seventh Army, Germany, where he served as a Platoon Leader
and Survey Officer of the 1st Battalion, 41st Field Artillery, 56th Field Artillery Brigade. He later served as Aide-de-Camp to the Pershing Missile Brigade’s Commanding General, BG Robert B. Hankins. Following completion of the Artillery Officer Advanced Course, Odierno was assigned to the XVIII Airborne Corps Artillery
at Fort Bragg
, North Carolina, where he commanded Service Battery and Alpha Battery. Subsequently, he served as the Battalion S3 in the 1st Battalion, 73rd Field Artillery. During Operation Desert Storm, Odierno served as the Executive Officer for the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery, and then he held the same position in Division Artillery, 3rd Armored Division.
Odierno went on to command 2nd Battalion, 8th Field Artillery, 7th Infantry Division, followed by command of the Division Artillery, 1st Cavalry Division. He later commanded the 4th Infantry Division and the III Corps.
His significant staff duties include Arms Control Officer, Office of the Secretary of Defense; Chief of Staff, United States V Corps
, United States Army Europe
; Assistant Division Commander (Support), U.S. 1st Armored Division
; Deputy Commanding General, Task Force Hawk
, Albania
; Director, Force Management, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans, United States Army, Washington, D.C.; and Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
, Washington, D.C., where he was the primary military advisor to United States Secretary of State
Condoleezza Rice
. On September 1, 2010 he gave his command to General Lloyd Austin. In October 2010, he took command of U.S. Joint Forces Command
. On May 30, 2011, Odierno was nominated to be Army Chief of Staff
. He has been confirmed to take over from General Martin E. Dempsey on September 7, 2011.
presented its Second Annual Ryan C. Crocker Global Citizen Award to Odierno in February 2011 for his superlative impact on the international stage. Ambassador Crocker attended the event and introduced Odierno prior to the General's remarks and a lengthy question and answer session with a broad range of citizens from the Hampton Roads community.
, a Medal of Honor recipient for his actions in Vietnam, raised over $1 million for the USO. The USO's Distinguished Service Award is USO's premiere award that recognizes exemplary leadership and service to the armed forces.
for his leadership in Operation Iraqi Freedom. America's Best Leaders is a collaboration between U.S. News & World Report and the Center for Public Leadership at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. The honorees were selected by a committee of academic, government, business, community, and nonprofit leaders convened by the center.
in Washington, D.C., where he was the primary military advisor to Secretaries of State Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice. During this time, he accompanied the Secretary of State on all diplomatic journeys and state visits, traveling over 335,000 miles and visiting over 65 countries.
(4th ID) from October 2001 to June 2004, during which he deployed the division to Operation Iraqi Freedom from March 2003 to April 2004. Originally, the 4th Infantry Division was designated to enter Iraq through Turkey, though diplomatic complications prevented such a maneuver. Eventually, Odierno and the 4th Infantry Division deployed into Iraq from Kuwait, and despite the diplomatic complications, still executed the most rapid deployment of heavy armored forces in history.
The division did not deploy in time to start the invasion but joined it as a follow-on force in April 2003, attacking toward Tikrit and Mosul, and later played a major role in the post-war occupation. Headquartered in the restive Sunni Triangle north of Baghdad, the division was responsible for one of the most violent regions of Iraq, as remaining elements of Saddam Hussein’s regime struggled to regain control. In a major accomplishment late in the deployment, Odierno’s troops captured Saddam Hussein
in December 2003.
Odierno’s tenure as 4th ID commander in Iraq and his unit’s actions there have subsequently come under criticism from several sources. Some have been critical of 4th ID’s belligerent stance during their initial entry into Iraq after the ground war had ceased, arguing that the unit’s lack of a ‘hearts and minds’ approach was ineffective in quelling the insurgency.
In his unit’s defense, Odierno and others have argued that enemy activity in the 4th ID’s area of operations was higher than in any other area of the country because of the region’s high concentration of Sunni resistance groups still loyal to Saddam Hussein’s regime. His unit was headquartered in Hussein’s hometown and this environment necessitated a different approach from those of units located in the more peaceful regions in the south and the north of the country.
. His British advisor Emma Sky gave an account of the Odierno team's role in the "surge" in January 2011 in evidence to the UK Chilcott Inquiry into the Iraq War.
http://www.iraqinquiry.org.uk/media/52057/Sky-2011-01-14-S1-declassified.pdf
Odierno and his team recognized that reducing the violence required securing the population—what he described as “job one”–and stopping “accelerants”, his term for those carrying out the attacks and thus triggering subsequent reprisals. His team recognized that although previous efforts to clear Baghdad of insurgents had met with some success, these gains were temporary because the Coalition lacked sufficient forces to hold the areas, and the challenges involved with securing the population were simply too great for the Iraqi Security Forces at the time.
Previous strategies had called for minimizing the U.S. presence as much as possible, but Odierno recognized that securing the population was a prerequisite for further progress and that he currently did not have enough troops to accomplish the task. Therefore, he and several others recommended to President Bush that he order a temporary troop increase to help stem the violence. President Bush announced what came to be known as the “Surge” in January 2007 and ordered 5 additional brigades to Iraq.
As the additional brigades began to arrive in the first months of 2007, the Coalition began moving its forces off large bases and deployed them to live on small outposts in population centers across Iraq, concentrating in and around Baghdad.
Throughout a series of offensives commanded by Odierno, Coalition Forces placed significant emphasis on providing 'essential services', 'encouraging local governance', and 'separating the ‘irreconcilables’ from those willing to make peace with the legitimate government of Iraq' according to his controversial British political advisor Emma Sky - whose previous role under the Coalition Provisional Authority was heavily criticised by President Talabani but was praised by officials such as former US Deputy Defence Secretary Paul Wolfowitz.
While planning and conducting these operations, Odierno concentrated efforts to deepen growing alliances with groups of “concerned local citizens” that had agreed to work with Coalition Forces to bring security to their neighborhoods. The movement, known as the “Awakening”, started in Anbar province in 2006 and grew throughout 2007, spreading across much of the country. Later called the “Sons of Iraq”, many of these individuals were former insurgents who had been appalled at the wanton violence and chaos wrought by Al Qaeda in Iraq and had subsequently decided to support government stability efforts. As the U.S.-funded effort spread, more and more Iraqis began to join. Soon groups were mobilizing across the country to quell violence; this represented a marked improvement from late 2006, when extremists were mobilizing for civil war.
Both the transition to stability operations under civilian control and the massive troop drawdown were the outcome of the improved security situation and ongoing political process; both goals during Odierno’s tenure as the Commander of Multi-National Corps-Iraq (MNC-I). As the commander of Multi-National Force-Iraq (MNF-I), Odierno faced the challenges of sustaining the past security gains while reducing the Coalition presence and helping the Iraqi government achieve reconciliation and lasting stability. A successful outcome would lead to a marked improvement to stability in the region as well as a meaningful partnership between Iraq and the United States.
Odierno maintained his operational strategy of defeating the enemy, but began to shift the focus of effort from U.S.-led security to Iraqi-led security through partnership-based operations. His focus on partnership had a profound effect on the Iraqi public, sending them a clear message that U.S. and Iraqi forces were working together, would not be defeated, and would ensure their safety. Cooperation and confidence became more prevalent each day while the enemy’s capacity continued to decline, setting the conditions for the Iraqi government to continue on a path towards legitimacy.
To perpetuate the Iraqi government’s progress, Odierno actively encouraged his staff, subordinate commands and State Department colleagues to develop a close and productive relationship with Iraqi government officials at all levels (Sky). Counterinsurgency campaigns are never won by foreign troops alone. They are ultimately won through the actions of legitimate host nation governments that enjoy the support of their people and by indigenous security forces that are capable of protecting the civilian population (Kahl). This partnership became the focus of a constant media drum-beat highlighting ISF achievements, Government of Iraq improvements and the diminished capacity of a demonic enemy who had lost its sanctuary and its support from the population.
In an effort to open his subordinate commanders’ aperture beyond the focal point of the enemy, he further instructed commanders and staffs to assess their environment and to determine those drivers of instability that would undermine progress in their respective areas of operations. Commanders and staffs alike were not only routinely assessing these drivers of instability in their environments but continually asking themselves why something changed so they could accurately target an identified deficiency or reinforce an improvement. By establishing the “drivers of instability” methodology, U.S. forces were better able to predict potential conflict, to take actions to mitigate risk, to focus its resources and to help Iraqis manage the points of friction (Sky).
During this time of significant transition, General Odierno understood the supreme importance of stakeholder communication. He spent most of his time traveling around Iraq discussing his vision and intent with Iraqis, his U.S. subordinates, and other stakeholders who were an integral part of the transformative process. Odierno initiated several mechanisms to ensure the success of the Security Agreement such as the Security Agreement Joint Commission between Iraqi Ministries and U.S. forces in Iraq. Where unity of command was paramount to his predecessors, unity of effort was decisive to his command and the Iraqi Government’s success in the future.
The results of the above transformation were undeniable. Despite the friction of a nascent political process, an ever-evolving enemy, an undecided Iraqi population, and the complex political relationships associated with regional affairs, the overall situation in Iraq continued to improve. In an environment of pessimism, the Iraqis held successful provincial and parliamentary elections. Furthermore, violence levels remained low after the implementation of the Security Agreement and during the gradual transition of responsibility for the security sector to the ISF. Progress was abundant and success appeared assured.
In essence, the President directed General Odierno to conduct an operation the scope of which had not been seen since Vietnam. To fulfill the mission, Odierno directed his staff to develop a conditions-based plan to transfer authorities, ship equipment and redeploy military personnel while maintaining the campaign successes initiated when he took command of MNC-I in December 2006. A combination of initiatives was decisive in setting the conditions for the withdrawal of U.S. forces. These included: Sustaining improved security; partnering holistically with legitimate government; and collectively moving towards a mutually shared strategic partnership.
The U.S. administration’s vision of sending home 90,000 U.S. troops became reality during Odiero’s tenure. These achievements would have been difficult if not impossible without the increased capability of the ISF, the improved security conditions and increased government legitimacy in Iraq. In addition to sending service members home, United States Forces-Iraq also re-located, closed or transferred over 600 bases and moved or transferred in excess of 1.6 million pieces of equipment quietly with no impact to the security situation. Most importantly, the Government of Iraq was in control and partnered with a viable U.S. civilian-led presence breaking a New Dawn on 1 September 2010.
On 1 September 2010, Odierno was replaced by General Lloyd Austin after the U.S. combat missions in Iraq ended.
Traveling back from Iraq briefly in February 2008, Odierno visited New York City and spoke at several foreign policy forums, academic institutions and also with the national and international press - print, radio, and broadcast - about the success of the surge. While speaking at one such institution, the Union League Club of New York, he received an achievement award for his lifetime of service to the nation. In March 2008, Odierno traveled to Washington, DC, where he briefed President Bush on the situation in Iraq and progress made during the surge. While in the Nation’s Capitol, Odierno also met with several think tanks and policy organizations, including the National War College, and conducted a news briefing with the Pentagon Press Corps.
In September 2008, Odierno became Commanding General for Multi-National Force - Iraq. He engaged the American audience during a 60 Minutes interview and shared his vision for a stable Iraq. Almost 18 million viewers saw the program. Odierno continued his campaign to inform U.S. national, international, and Pan-Arab audiences by hosting and conducting interviews with a multitude of major national and international news organizations. This effort was critical in the aftermath of a new security agreement, providing a global audience with details about the future U.S. role in Iraq. Odierno also realized the importance of informing the Middle Eastern audience and reached over 20 million Arab-speaking viewers during a one-hour interview with reporter Elie Nakouzi
from Al-Arabiya television in Dubai. He continued his efforts to inform and educate audiences, delving into social media to reach both local Iraqi people as well as younger Americans. Odierno established a Facebook page to ensure diverse audiences could learn about success and progress in Iraq as well as key events.
Following the successful transition of command in Iraq, Odierno returned stateside to assume command of U.S. Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM) in Norfolk, Va. When he assumed command in October 2010, Odierno transitioned to the new challenge of disestablishing the organization as part of wider DOD efficiencies initiatives. He became immersed in the Hampton Roads community by conducting press conferences, particularly with local print and broadcast media, to discuss the ways to preserve and protect jointness in the military.
Throughout 2010 and 2011, during his time at USJFCOM, Odierno continued to make time for national and international media as well as researchers and scholars interested in the details and strategy of U.S. counterinsurgency efforts in Iraq. Additionally, Odierno has been the keynote speaker at numerous public events, where he relates his leadership lessons and strategic perspective to a diverse audience of American citizens. He visited The Harvard Kennedy School of Government's Institute of Politics, where he spoke to students, faculty, staff and citizens about the importance of service. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6GTBUt1Ceg
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U.S. Badges and Patches
Combat Action Badge
Office of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge
Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge
Army Staff Identification Badge
4th Infantry Division Patch worn as his Combat Service Identification Badge
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United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
general
General (United States)
In the United States Army, United States Air Force, and United States Marine Corps, general is a four-star general officer rank, with the pay grade of O-10. General ranks above lieutenant general and below General of the Army or General of the Air Force; the Marine Corps does not have an...
and the 38th and current Chief of Staff of the Army
Chief of Staff of the United States Army
The Chief of Staff of the Army is a statutory office held by a four-star general in the United States Army, and is the most senior uniformed officer assigned to serve in the Department of the Army, and as such is the principal military advisor and a deputy to the Secretary of the Army; and is in...
. Odierno most recently commanded United States Joint Forces Command
United States Joint Forces Command
United States Joint Forces Command was a former Unified Combatant Command of the United States Armed Forces. USJFCOM was a functional command that provided specific services to the military. The last commander was Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno...
from October 2010 until its disestablishment in August 2011. He served as Commanding General, United States Forces – Iraq
United States Forces – Iraq
United States Forces - Iraq is a U.S. military sub-unified command, part of U.S. Central Command. It is stationed in Iraq as agreed with the Government of Iraq under the U.S.–Iraq Status of Forces Agreement. USF-I replaced the previous commands Multi-National Force - Iraq, Multi-National Corps -...
and its predecessor, Multi-National Force – Iraq, from September 2008 through September 2010. Prior to that, he served as Commanding General, III Corps, from May 2006 to May 2008. General Odierno is the twelfth American military officer to command at the Division, Corps, and Army level during the same conflict and only the second to have this honor since the Vietnam War. He assumed his current assignment on September 7, 2011.
Prior to commanding III Corps, he served as Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is by law the highest ranking military officer in the United States Armed Forces, and is the principal military adviser to the President of the United States, the National Security Council, the Homeland Security Council and the Secretary of Defense...
in Washington, where he was the primary military advisor to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
Condoleezza Rice
Condoleezza Rice is an American political scientist and diplomat. She served as the 66th United States Secretary of State, and was the second person to hold that office in the administration of President George W. Bush...
from 3 November 2004 to 1 May 2006.
Early life and education
Odierno grew up in Rockaway, New JerseyRockaway, New Jersey
Rockaway is a borough in Morris County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough population was 6,438.Rockaway was formed as a borough on June 19, 1894, from portions of Rockaway Township, based on the results of a referendum held the previous...
, where he attended Morris Hills High School
Morris Hills High School
Morris Hills High School is a comprehensive regional four-year public high school located in the borough of Rockaway, serving students in grades 9 - 12 in Morris County, New Jersey, United States, operating as part of the Morris Hills Regional High School District. The other high school in the...
, followed by the United States Military Academy
United States Military Academy
The United States Military Academy at West Point is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located at West Point, New York. The academy sits on scenic high ground overlooking the Hudson River, north of New York City...
at West Point. He graduated in June 1976 with a Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science
A Bachelor of Science is an undergraduate academic degree awarded for completed courses that generally last three to five years .-Australia:In Australia, the BSc is a 3 year degree, offered from 1st year on...
degree. He later received a Master of Science
Master of Science
A Master of Science is a postgraduate academic master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The degree is typically studied for in the sciences including the social sciences.-Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay:...
degree in nuclear effects engineering
Nuclear engineering
Nuclear engineering is the branch of engineering concerned with the application of the breakdown as well as the fusion of atomic nuclei and/or the application of other sub-atomic physics, based on the principles of nuclear physics...
from the North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University at Raleigh is a public, coeducational, extensive research university located in Raleigh, North Carolina, United States. Commonly known as NC State, the university is part of the University of North Carolina system and is a land, sea, and space grant institution...
and a Master of Arts
Master of Arts (postgraduate)
A Master of Arts from the Latin Magister Artium, is a type of Master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The M.A. is usually contrasted with the M.S. or M.Sc. degrees...
degree national security and strategy
National security
National security is the requirement to maintain the survival of the state through the use of economic, diplomacy, power projection and political power. The concept developed mostly in the United States of America after World War II...
from 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...
. In December 2010 he received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University at Raleigh is a public, coeducational, extensive research university located in Raleigh, North Carolina, United States. Commonly known as NC State, the university is part of the University of North Carolina system and is a land, sea, and space grant institution...
. General Odierno is also a graduate of the U.S. Army War College
U.S. Army War College
The United States Army War College is a United States Army school located in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, on the 500 acre campus of the historic Carlisle Barracks...
.
Family
Odierno married his high school sweetheart, the former Linda Bukarth of Rockaway, NJ, in 1976. They have three children: Tony, Katie, and Mike; and three grandchildren. Since their marriage, Linda Odierno has dedicated herself to supporting soldiers and their families. His oldest son, Army Captain (Retired) Tony Odierno, is a combat veteran who serves on the board of directors of the Wounded Warrior Project.Career history
Odierno's initial tours took him to United States Army EuropeUnited States Army Europe
United States Army Europe and Seventh Army, is an Army Service Component Command of the United States Army and the land component of United States European Command. It is the largest American formation in Europe.-Invasion of Sicily:...
and U.S. Seventh Army, Germany, where he served as a Platoon Leader
Platoon leader
A platoon leader or platoon commander is the officer in command of a platoon. This person is usually a junior officer — a second or first lieutenant, or an equivalent rank. The officer is usually assisted by a platoon sergeant...
and Survey Officer of the 1st Battalion, 41st Field Artillery, 56th Field Artillery Brigade. He later served as Aide-de-Camp to the Pershing Missile Brigade’s Commanding General, BG Robert B. Hankins. Following completion of the Artillery Officer Advanced Course, Odierno was assigned to the XVIII Airborne Corps Artillery
XVIII Airborne Corps Artillery
In the First Gulf War XVIII Airborne Corps Artillery consisted of the 5-8th, 3-8th and 1-39th Field Artillery Regiments. The living quarters for these three units were situated between the 82d Airborne Division and the Special Forces at Fort Bragg...
at Fort Bragg
Fort Bragg (North Carolina)
Fort Bragg is a major United States Army installation, in Cumberland and Hoke counties, North Carolina, U.S., mostly in Fayetteville but also partly in the town of Spring Lake. It was also a census-designated place in the 2010 census and had a population of 39,457. The fort is named for Confederate...
, North Carolina, where he commanded Service Battery and Alpha Battery. Subsequently, he served as the Battalion S3 in the 1st Battalion, 73rd Field Artillery. During Operation Desert Storm, Odierno served as the Executive Officer for the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery, and then he held the same position in Division Artillery, 3rd Armored Division.
Odierno went on to command 2nd Battalion, 8th Field Artillery, 7th Infantry Division, followed by command of the Division Artillery, 1st Cavalry Division. He later commanded the 4th Infantry Division and the III Corps.
His significant staff duties include Arms Control Officer, Office of the Secretary of Defense; Chief of Staff, United States V Corps
United States V Corps
The V Corps, also known as the Victory Corps, is a corps-level formation of the United States Army and the main land component of United States Army Europe. The corps headquarters is located at the Wiesbaden Army Airfield in Wiesbaden, Germany...
, United States Army Europe
United States Army Europe
United States Army Europe and Seventh Army, is an Army Service Component Command of the United States Army and the land component of United States European Command. It is the largest American formation in Europe.-Invasion of Sicily:...
; Assistant Division Commander (Support), U.S. 1st Armored Division
U.S. 1st Armored Division
The 1st Armored Division—nicknamed "Old Ironsides"—is a standing armored division of the United States Army with base of operations in Fort Bliss, Texas. It was the first armored division of the U.S...
; Deputy Commanding General, Task Force Hawk
Task Force Hawk
Task Force Hawk was the unit constructed and deployed by General Wesley Clark to provide additional support to NATO's Operation Allied Force by NATO operations against the former Yugoslavian government during the 1999 unrest in Kosovo...
, Albania
Albania
Albania , officially known as the Republic of Albania , is a country in Southeastern Europe, in the Balkans region. It is bordered by Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, the Republic of Macedonia to the east and Greece to the south and southeast. It has a coast on the Adriatic Sea...
; Director, Force Management, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans, United States Army, Washington, D.C.; and Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Joint Chiefs of Staff
The Joint Chiefs of Staff is a body of senior uniformed leaders in the United States Department of Defense who advise the Secretary of Defense, the Homeland Security Council, the National Security Council and the President on military matters...
, Washington, D.C., where he was the primary military advisor to United States Secretary of State
United States Secretary of State
The United States Secretary of State is the head of the United States Department of State, concerned with foreign affairs. The Secretary is a member of the Cabinet and the highest-ranking cabinet secretary both in line of succession and order of precedence...
Condoleezza Rice
Condoleezza Rice
Condoleezza Rice is an American political scientist and diplomat. She served as the 66th United States Secretary of State, and was the second person to hold that office in the administration of President George W. Bush...
. On September 1, 2010 he gave his command to General Lloyd Austin. In October 2010, he took command of U.S. Joint Forces Command
United States Joint Forces Command
United States Joint Forces Command was a former Unified Combatant Command of the United States Armed Forces. USJFCOM was a functional command that provided specific services to the military. The last commander was Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno...
. On May 30, 2011, Odierno was nominated to be Army Chief of Staff
Chief of Staff of the United States Army
The Chief of Staff of the Army is a statutory office held by a four-star general in the United States Army, and is the most senior uniformed officer assigned to serve in the Department of the Army, and as such is the principal military advisor and a deputy to the Secretary of the Army; and is in...
. He has been confirmed to take over from General Martin E. Dempsey on September 7, 2011.
Assignments
| From | To | Assignments |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 1976 | Jan 1978 | Support Platoon Leader, later Firing Platoon Leader, C Battery, 1st Battalion, 41st Field Artillery, 56th Field Artillery Brigade 56th Field Artillery Command The 56th Field Artillery Command was a brigade size element of the United States Army. The unit was constituted in 1942 with the last period of active service being 1970 through 1991. It was the only unit to field the nuclear Pershing missile system. This unique mission required an almost "Super... , United States Army Europe and Seventh Army, Germany |
| Jan 1978 | Oct 1979 | Survey Officer, 1st Battalion, 41st Field Artillery, 56th Field Artillery Brigade, United States Army Europe and Seventh Army, Germany |
| Nov 1979 | Jul 1980 | Student, Field Artillery Advanced Course, Fort Sill, Oklahoma |
| Aug 1980 | Dec 1980 | Liaison Officer, 1st Battalion, 73d Field Artillery, XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, North Carolina |
| Dec 1980 | Dec 1982 | Commander, Service Battery, later A Battery, 1st Battalion, 73d Field Artillery, XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, North Carolina |
| Dec 1982 | May 1983 | Assistant S-3 (Operations), 1st Battalion, 73d Field Artillery, XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, North Carolina |
| Jun 1983 | May 1984 | S-3 (Operations), 3d Battalion, 8th Field Artillery, XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, North Carolina |
| Jun 1984 | Aug 1986 | Student, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina |
| Sep 1986 | Jun 1989 | Nuclear Research Officer, later Chief, Acquisition Support Division, Defense Nuclear Agency, Alexandria, Virginia, later detailed as Military Advisor for Arms Control, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Washington, DC |
| Jun 1989 | Jun 1990 | Student, United States Naval Command and Staff Course, Newport, Rhode Island |
| Jul 1990 | Dec 1990 | Executive Officer, 2d Battalion, 3d Field Artillery, 3d Armored Division, United States Army Europe and Seventh Army, Germany |
| Dec 1990 | Jun 1991 | Executive Officer, Division Artillery, 3d Armored Division, United States Army Europe and Seventh Army, Germany. Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Saudi Arabia |
| Jun 1991 | May 1992 | Executive Officer, 42d Field Artillery Brigade, V Corps, United States Army Europe and Seventh Army, Germany |
| Jun 1992 | Jun 1994 | Commander, 2d Battalion, 8th Field Artillery, 7th Infantry Division (Light), Fort Ord, California (relocated to Fort Lewis, Washington) |
| Jun 1994 | Jun 1995 | Student, United States Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania |
| Jun 1995 | Jun 1997 | Commander, Division Artillery, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas |
| Jun 1997 | Aug 1998 | Chief of Staff, V Corps, United States Army Europe and Seventh Army, Germany |
| Aug 1998 | Jul 1999 | Assistant Division Commander (Support), 1st Armored Division, United States Army Europe and Seventh Army, Germany to include duty as Deputy Commanding General for Ground Operations, Task Force Hawk, Operation Allied Force, Albania |
| Jul 1999 | Jul 2001 | Director, Force Management, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans, United States Army, Washington, DC |
| Oct 2001 | Aug 2004 | Commanding General, 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized), Fort Hood, Texas. Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraq |
| Aug 2004 | Oct 2004 | Special Assistant to Vice Chief of Staff, United States Army, Washington, DC |
| Oct 2004 | May 2006 | Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Washington, DC |
| May 2006 | Dec 2006 | Commanding General, III Corps and Fort Hood, Fort Hood, Texas |
| Dec 2006 | Feb 2008 | Commanding General, III Corps and Commander, Multi-National Corps-Iraq, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraq |
| Feb 2008 | Sep 2008 | Commanding General, III Corps and Fort Hood, Fort Hood, Texas |
| Sep 2008 | 31 Dec 2009 | Commander, Multi-National Force-Iraq, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraq |
| 1 Jan 2010 | 1 Sep 2010 | Commander, United States Forces-Iraq, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraq |
| 29 Oct 2010 | Aug 2011 | Commander, United States Joint Forces Command, Norfolk, Virginia |
| 7 Sep 2011 | Present | Chief of Staff of the Army Chief of Staff of the United States Army The Chief of Staff of the Army is a statutory office held by a four-star general in the United States Army, and is the most senior uniformed officer assigned to serve in the Department of the Army, and as such is the principal military advisor and a deputy to the Secretary of the Army; and is in... |
Ryan C. Crocker Award
The Hampton Roads World Affairs CouncilWorld Affairs Council
World Affairs Council may refer to:* World Affairs Councils of America, a non-profit, non-partisan umbrella organization for world affairs councils throughout the United States...
presented its Second Annual Ryan C. Crocker Global Citizen Award to Odierno in February 2011 for his superlative impact on the international stage. Ambassador Crocker attended the event and introduced Odierno prior to the General's remarks and a lengthy question and answer session with a broad range of citizens from the Hampton Roads community.
Abraham Lincoln Award
In December 2010, Odierno was recognized by the Union League of Philadelphia with their Abraham Lincoln Award during the League's Armed Services Council Army-Navy Game Dining Out.USO's Distinguished Service Award
In December 2009, Odierno was given the USO's Distinguished Service Award, at the 48th Annual Armed Forces Gala and Gold Medal Dinner in New York City. The event, which was co-hosted by NBC's Brian Williams, and retired Army Col. Jack H. JacobsJack H. Jacobs
Jack Howard Jacobs is a retired colonel in the United States Army and a Medal of Honor recipient for his actions during the Vietnam War. He currently serves as a military analyst for MSNBC and previously worked as an investment manager....
, a Medal of Honor recipient for his actions in Vietnam, raised over $1 million for the USO. The USO's Distinguished Service Award is USO's premiere award that recognizes exemplary leadership and service to the armed forces.
U.S. News & World Report: America's Best Leaders of 2009
In October 2009, Odierno was recognized as one of America's Best Leaders of 2009 by U.S. News & World ReportU.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report is an American news magazine published from Washington, D.C. Along with Time and Newsweek it was for many years a leading news weekly, focusing more than its counterparts on political, economic, health and education stories...
for his leadership in Operation Iraqi Freedom. America's Best Leaders is a collaboration between U.S. News & World Report and the Center for Public Leadership at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. The honorees were selected by a committee of academic, government, business, community, and nonprofit leaders convened by the center.
Romanian Order of Military Merit
On June 4, 2009 the Romanian President Traian Băsescu awarded Odierno the Romanian Order of Military Merit.Naval War College Distinguished Graduate Leadership Award
In May 2009, the Naval War College recognized Odierno as the 14th recipient of the Distinguished Graduate Leadership Award for his strategic leadership and insight. Odierno graduated from the Naval War College in 1990 as a Major, where he learned the importance of becoming a strategic thinker and leader.Union League Club of NYC
In February 2008, the Union League Club of New York City bestowed Odierno with an achievement award for his lifetime of service to the nation.Morris Hills Regional District Hall of Fame
In May 2006, Odierno was inducted into the Morris Hills Regional District Hall of Fame for his successful command of the 4th Infantry Division in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Odierno graduated from Morris Hills in 1972 prior to entering the United States Military Academy at West Point.NIAF Special Achievement Award
In April 2006, Odierno was presented the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) Special Achievement Award for Military Service at the Foundations East Coast Gala by Jerry Colangelo, NIAF Vice Chair During the event, legendary race car driver and wine maker Mario Andretti received a NIAF Lifetime Achievement Award in Sports; actor Alan Alda was inducted into the NIAF Italian American Hall of Fame by Jack Valenti, former president of the Motion Picture Association of America; and Joseph M. Boitano, senior vice president and general merchandise manager at Saks Fifth Avenue Enterprises, received a NIAF Special Achievement Award in Business. NIAF is a nonprofit, nonpartisan educational foundation that promotes Italian American culture and heritage.Secretary of State Distinguished Service Medal
Odierno was awarded the Secretary of State Distinguished Service Medal for serving as the senior military advisor for the Secretary of State from October 2004 to May 2006. Odierno served as the Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of StaffChairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is by law the highest ranking military officer in the United States Armed Forces, and is the principal military adviser to the President of the United States, the National Security Council, the Homeland Security Council and the Secretary of Defense...
in Washington, D.C., where he was the primary military advisor to Secretaries of State Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice. During this time, he accompanied the Secretary of State on all diplomatic journeys and state visits, traveling over 335,000 miles and visiting over 65 countries.
Operation Iraqi Freedom I
Odierno commanded the U.S. 4th Infantry DivisionU.S. 4th Infantry Division
The 4th Infantry Division is a modular division of the United States Army based at Fort Carson, Colorado, with four brigade combat teams. It is a very technically advanced combat division in the U.S. Army....
(4th ID) from October 2001 to June 2004, during which he deployed the division to Operation Iraqi Freedom from March 2003 to April 2004. Originally, the 4th Infantry Division was designated to enter Iraq through Turkey, though diplomatic complications prevented such a maneuver. Eventually, Odierno and the 4th Infantry Division deployed into Iraq from Kuwait, and despite the diplomatic complications, still executed the most rapid deployment of heavy armored forces in history.
The division did not deploy in time to start the invasion but joined it as a follow-on force in April 2003, attacking toward Tikrit and Mosul, and later played a major role in the post-war occupation. Headquartered in the restive Sunni Triangle north of Baghdad, the division was responsible for one of the most violent regions of Iraq, as remaining elements of Saddam Hussein’s regime struggled to regain control. In a major accomplishment late in the deployment, Odierno’s troops captured Saddam Hussein
Saddam Hussein
Saddam Hussein Abd al-Majid al-Tikriti was the fifth President of Iraq, serving in this capacity from 16 July 1979 until 9 April 2003...
in December 2003.
Odierno’s tenure as 4th ID commander in Iraq and his unit’s actions there have subsequently come under criticism from several sources. Some have been critical of 4th ID’s belligerent stance during their initial entry into Iraq after the ground war had ceased, arguing that the unit’s lack of a ‘hearts and minds’ approach was ineffective in quelling the insurgency.
In his unit’s defense, Odierno and others have argued that enemy activity in the 4th ID’s area of operations was higher than in any other area of the country because of the region’s high concentration of Sunni resistance groups still loyal to Saddam Hussein’s regime. His unit was headquartered in Hussein’s hometown and this environment necessitated a different approach from those of units located in the more peaceful regions in the south and the north of the country.
The surge 2007-2008
In his second Iraq deployment, Odierno was the commander of Multi-National Corps-Iraq from December 2006 to February 2008. In this role, he served as the day-to-day commander of all Coalition Forces in Iraq and was one of the primary architects of the troop “surge” into BaghdadBaghdad
Baghdad is the capital of Iraq, as well as the coterminous Baghdad Governorate. The population of Baghdad in 2011 is approximately 7,216,040...
. His British advisor Emma Sky gave an account of the Odierno team's role in the "surge" in January 2011 in evidence to the UK Chilcott Inquiry into the Iraq War.
http://www.iraqinquiry.org.uk/media/52057/Sky-2011-01-14-S1-declassified.pdf
Planning for the surge
Upon Odierno’s arrival to Baghdad in December 2006, General George Casey, then the Multi-National Force - Iraq commander (the senior military leader in Iraq), charged Odierno with the task of breaking the cycle of violence and bringing a measure of stability to the country in order to provide “breathing room” for political progress to solve Iraq’s long-term problems.Odierno and his team recognized that reducing the violence required securing the population—what he described as “job one”–and stopping “accelerants”, his term for those carrying out the attacks and thus triggering subsequent reprisals. His team recognized that although previous efforts to clear Baghdad of insurgents had met with some success, these gains were temporary because the Coalition lacked sufficient forces to hold the areas, and the challenges involved with securing the population were simply too great for the Iraqi Security Forces at the time.
Previous strategies had called for minimizing the U.S. presence as much as possible, but Odierno recognized that securing the population was a prerequisite for further progress and that he currently did not have enough troops to accomplish the task. Therefore, he and several others recommended to President Bush that he order a temporary troop increase to help stem the violence. President Bush announced what came to be known as the “Surge” in January 2007 and ordered 5 additional brigades to Iraq.
Implementing the new strategy
Odierno and his team decided that creating stability in Iraq required more than just greater resources; it required a change in mindset. They determined that they must prioritize the protection of the population, creating safe neighborhoods and markets and allowing Iraqis to go about their daily lives. They also decided that the Coalition needed a more balanced approach in its targeting of extremists, and they convinced the Iraqi Government that Shiite militia groups could no longer be given a “free pass” to commit extrajudicial killings.As the additional brigades began to arrive in the first months of 2007, the Coalition began moving its forces off large bases and deployed them to live on small outposts in population centers across Iraq, concentrating in and around Baghdad.
Throughout a series of offensives commanded by Odierno, Coalition Forces placed significant emphasis on providing 'essential services', 'encouraging local governance', and 'separating the ‘irreconcilables’ from those willing to make peace with the legitimate government of Iraq' according to his controversial British political advisor Emma Sky - whose previous role under the Coalition Provisional Authority was heavily criticised by President Talabani but was praised by officials such as former US Deputy Defence Secretary Paul Wolfowitz.
While planning and conducting these operations, Odierno concentrated efforts to deepen growing alliances with groups of “concerned local citizens” that had agreed to work with Coalition Forces to bring security to their neighborhoods. The movement, known as the “Awakening”, started in Anbar province in 2006 and grew throughout 2007, spreading across much of the country. Later called the “Sons of Iraq”, many of these individuals were former insurgents who had been appalled at the wanton violence and chaos wrought by Al Qaeda in Iraq and had subsequently decided to support government stability efforts. As the U.S.-funded effort spread, more and more Iraqis began to join. Soon groups were mobilizing across the country to quell violence; this represented a marked improvement from late 2006, when extremists were mobilizing for civil war.
The results of the surge
This comprehensive approach to counterinsurgency – conducting simultaneous, large-scale operations to strike multiple enemy concentrations and bases of support while continually focusing on protecting the populace and reconciling with those willing to make peace with the government – led to dramatic decreases in attacks through Iraq. In December 2006, Coalition Forces were sustaining more than 1,200 attacks per week, and the civilian death toll for the month was over 3,000. When Odierno and his team finished their tour in February 2008, civilian casualties were down 70%, and attacks on Coalition Forces had dropped to their lowest levels since 2004. In the Baghdad security districts, specifically, ethno-sectarian attacks and deaths had decreased by 90%, although there is a debate how much of that is due to the Surge as opposed to the competition of ethnic cleansing in the city's neighborhoods. According to most observers the situation in Iraq had been “utterly transformed”, but there is serious concern whether that success will not be reversed through the lack of progress in the Iraqi internal political process.Commander of Multi-National Force-Iraq & United States Forces-Iraq
Odierno’s third deployment to Iraq began on September 16, 2008, seven months after finishing his previous deployment, when he assumed command of Multi-National Force-Iraq. As the senior U.S. military commander in Iraq, Odierno and his team were pivotal in the successful transition of responsibility for security from a primarily militarily-led effort to an Iraqi-civilian led effort.Both the transition to stability operations under civilian control and the massive troop drawdown were the outcome of the improved security situation and ongoing political process; both goals during Odierno’s tenure as the Commander of Multi-National Corps-Iraq (MNC-I). As the commander of Multi-National Force-Iraq (MNF-I), Odierno faced the challenges of sustaining the past security gains while reducing the Coalition presence and helping the Iraqi government achieve reconciliation and lasting stability. A successful outcome would lead to a marked improvement to stability in the region as well as a meaningful partnership between Iraq and the United States.
Upholding gains from troop surge
During this tour, Odierno was responsible for upholding the progress made during the 2007-2008 troop surge. The surge succeeded in making the Iraqi people feel more secure; degrading the capabilities of extremist groups; and developing the capacity of the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), while purging it of its worst elements (Sky). Despite occasional spikes, overall attack and Iraqi civilian casualty trends remained at their lowest levels since January 2004 during Odierno’s command (Kahl). These trends continued even as the ISF assumed primary responsibility for security and U.S. troop levels were reduced. Furthermore, ethno-sectarian deaths plummeted along with ISF and U.S. military fatalities (Kahl).Odierno maintained his operational strategy of defeating the enemy, but began to shift the focus of effort from U.S.-led security to Iraqi-led security through partnership-based operations. His focus on partnership had a profound effect on the Iraqi public, sending them a clear message that U.S. and Iraqi forces were working together, would not be defeated, and would ensure their safety. Cooperation and confidence became more prevalent each day while the enemy’s capacity continued to decline, setting the conditions for the Iraqi government to continue on a path towards legitimacy.
Moving toward legitimate and capable government
When General Odierno relieved General Petraeus as Commanding General of MNF-I in September 2008, the greatest threat to stability in Iraq was the questionable legitimacy and capability of Government – not violent extremists (Sky). Due in large part to Odierno’s operational plan to secure the country, a legitimate host nation government with a viable political process rose from the ground. Violent actors had been vanquished or had joined the political process to further their agendas. The democratic progress was undeniable as seen in the record voter turn-outs and relatively incident-free provincial elections of 2009 and national elections in 2010.To perpetuate the Iraqi government’s progress, Odierno actively encouraged his staff, subordinate commands and State Department colleagues to develop a close and productive relationship with Iraqi government officials at all levels (Sky). Counterinsurgency campaigns are never won by foreign troops alone. They are ultimately won through the actions of legitimate host nation governments that enjoy the support of their people and by indigenous security forces that are capable of protecting the civilian population (Kahl). This partnership became the focus of a constant media drum-beat highlighting ISF achievements, Government of Iraq improvements and the diminished capacity of a demonic enemy who had lost its sanctuary and its support from the population.
Implementing the Security Agreement
The Security Agreement was a joint U.S. and Iraqi government framework outlining the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq. This bi-lateral agreement provided a path for a coalition, then U.S. military-based security force to partner with, then follow and support the ISF. Odierno understood the strategic importance of implementing the agreement successfully. In December 2008, he directed everyone under his command to implement the Security Agreement in accordance with its spirit and its letter (Sky). He consistently emphasized to his subordinates the theme of letting Iraqis make their own mistakes in order to learn from them, but not to allow them to fail (Sky).In an effort to open his subordinate commanders’ aperture beyond the focal point of the enemy, he further instructed commanders and staffs to assess their environment and to determine those drivers of instability that would undermine progress in their respective areas of operations. Commanders and staffs alike were not only routinely assessing these drivers of instability in their environments but continually asking themselves why something changed so they could accurately target an identified deficiency or reinforce an improvement. By establishing the “drivers of instability” methodology, U.S. forces were better able to predict potential conflict, to take actions to mitigate risk, to focus its resources and to help Iraqis manage the points of friction (Sky).
During this time of significant transition, General Odierno understood the supreme importance of stakeholder communication. He spent most of his time traveling around Iraq discussing his vision and intent with Iraqis, his U.S. subordinates, and other stakeholders who were an integral part of the transformative process. Odierno initiated several mechanisms to ensure the success of the Security Agreement such as the Security Agreement Joint Commission between Iraqi Ministries and U.S. forces in Iraq. Where unity of command was paramount to his predecessors, unity of effort was decisive to his command and the Iraqi Government’s success in the future.
The results of the above transformation were undeniable. Despite the friction of a nascent political process, an ever-evolving enemy, an undecided Iraqi population, and the complex political relationships associated with regional affairs, the overall situation in Iraq continued to improve. In an environment of pessimism, the Iraqis held successful provincial and parliamentary elections. Furthermore, violence levels remained low after the implementation of the Security Agreement and during the gradual transition of responsibility for the security sector to the ISF. Progress was abundant and success appeared assured.
Withdrawing U.S. forces
President Obama delivered an address at Camp Lejeune in February 2009 laying out his policy for the withdrawal of U.S. forces and the transition from a military to civilian-led presence in Iraq. From a foreign policy perspective, this gave the U.S. Administration the ability to begin developing civilian-led efforts to help Iraq develop its economy, build governance capacity, build a long-term strategic partnership, and address remaining political challenges (Kahl).In essence, the President directed General Odierno to conduct an operation the scope of which had not been seen since Vietnam. To fulfill the mission, Odierno directed his staff to develop a conditions-based plan to transfer authorities, ship equipment and redeploy military personnel while maintaining the campaign successes initiated when he took command of MNC-I in December 2006. A combination of initiatives was decisive in setting the conditions for the withdrawal of U.S. forces. These included: Sustaining improved security; partnering holistically with legitimate government; and collectively moving towards a mutually shared strategic partnership.
The U.S. administration’s vision of sending home 90,000 U.S. troops became reality during Odiero’s tenure. These achievements would have been difficult if not impossible without the increased capability of the ISF, the improved security conditions and increased government legitimacy in Iraq. In addition to sending service members home, United States Forces-Iraq also re-located, closed or transferred over 600 bases and moved or transferred in excess of 1.6 million pieces of equipment quietly with no impact to the security situation. Most importantly, the Government of Iraq was in control and partnered with a viable U.S. civilian-led presence breaking a New Dawn on 1 September 2010.
On 1 September 2010, Odierno was replaced by General Lloyd Austin after the U.S. combat missions in Iraq ended.
Communication activities
While serving as the Commanding General of Multi-National Corps - Iraq, Odierno was instrumental in informing the American, international, and Pan-Arab audience about the difficulties and progress of surge operations. He conducted more than 100 interviews with several mainstream national and international media outlets. To ensure broader access for the myriad media outlets covering Iraq, he had a state-of-the-art broadcast studio installed at his headquarters that enabled live interviews with stateside reporters as well as larger press events. He dedicated the studio to Marine Corps Major Megan McClung, a Marine Corps public affairs officer who was killed in action in Ramadi, Iraq, in December 2006.Traveling back from Iraq briefly in February 2008, Odierno visited New York City and spoke at several foreign policy forums, academic institutions and also with the national and international press - print, radio, and broadcast - about the success of the surge. While speaking at one such institution, the Union League Club of New York, he received an achievement award for his lifetime of service to the nation. In March 2008, Odierno traveled to Washington, DC, where he briefed President Bush on the situation in Iraq and progress made during the surge. While in the Nation’s Capitol, Odierno also met with several think tanks and policy organizations, including the National War College, and conducted a news briefing with the Pentagon Press Corps.
In September 2008, Odierno became Commanding General for Multi-National Force - Iraq. He engaged the American audience during a 60 Minutes interview and shared his vision for a stable Iraq. Almost 18 million viewers saw the program. Odierno continued his campaign to inform U.S. national, international, and Pan-Arab audiences by hosting and conducting interviews with a multitude of major national and international news organizations. This effort was critical in the aftermath of a new security agreement, providing a global audience with details about the future U.S. role in Iraq. Odierno also realized the importance of informing the Middle Eastern audience and reached over 20 million Arab-speaking viewers during a one-hour interview with reporter Elie Nakouzi
Elie Nakouzi
Elie Nakouzi is a television broadcaster and presenter in the Middle East with over 20 years of experience in Middle East broadcasting. He has interviewed on Arabic television U.S. President George W...
from Al-Arabiya television in Dubai. He continued his efforts to inform and educate audiences, delving into social media to reach both local Iraqi people as well as younger Americans. Odierno established a Facebook page to ensure diverse audiences could learn about success and progress in Iraq as well as key events.
Following the successful transition of command in Iraq, Odierno returned stateside to assume command of U.S. Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM) in Norfolk, Va. When he assumed command in October 2010, Odierno transitioned to the new challenge of disestablishing the organization as part of wider DOD efficiencies initiatives. He became immersed in the Hampton Roads community by conducting press conferences, particularly with local print and broadcast media, to discuss the ways to preserve and protect jointness in the military.
Throughout 2010 and 2011, during his time at USJFCOM, Odierno continued to make time for national and international media as well as researchers and scholars interested in the details and strategy of U.S. counterinsurgency efforts in Iraq. Additionally, Odierno has been the keynote speaker at numerous public events, where he relates his leadership lessons and strategic perspective to a diverse audience of American citizens. He visited The Harvard Kennedy School of Government's Institute of Politics, where he spoke to students, faculty, staff and citizens about the importance of service. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6GTBUt1Ceg
Promotions
| Rank | Date Of Appointment |
|---|---|
 2LT |
Jun 2, 1976 |
 1LT |
Jun 2, 1978 |
 CPT |
Aug 1, 1980 |
 MAJ |
Dec 1, 1986 |
 LTC |
Feb 1, 1992 |
 COL |
Sep 1, 1995 |
 BG |
Jul 1, 1999 |
 MG |
Nov 1, 2002 |
 LTG |
Jan 1, 2005 |
 GEN |
Sep 16, 2008 |
Decorations and badges
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| U.S. military decorations | |
| Defense Distinguished Service Medal Defense Distinguished Service Medal The Defense Distinguished Service Medal is a United States military award which is presented for exceptionally distinguished performance of duty contributing to national security or defense of the United States... (with 1 bronze Oak Leaf Cluster Oak leaf cluster An oak leaf cluster is a common device which is placed on U.S. Army and Air Force awards and decorations to denote those who have received more than one bestowal of a particular decoration. The number of oak leaf clusters typically indicates the number of subsequent awards of the decoration... ) |
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| Army Distinguished Service Medal Distinguished Service Medal (Army) The Distinguished Service Medal is a military award of the United States Army that is presented to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the United States military, has distinguished himself or herself by exceptionally meritorious service to the Government in a duty of great... (with bronze Oak Leaf Cluster) |
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| Defense Superior Service Medal Defense Superior Service Medal The Defense Superior Service Medal is a senior United States military decoration of the Department of Defense, awarded to members of the United States armed forces who perform "superior meritorious service in a position of significant responsibility."... |
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| 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... (with 1 silver Oak Leaf Cluster Oak leaf cluster An oak leaf cluster is a common device which is placed on U.S. Army and Air Force awards and decorations to denote those who have received more than one bestowal of a particular decoration. The number of oak leaf clusters typically indicates the number of subsequent awards of the decoration... ) |
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| Bronze Star Bronze Star Medal The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the... |
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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 3 bronze Oak Leaf Clusters) |
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| Army Commendation Medal | |
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Army Achievement Medal |
| Other U.S. Government awards | |
| State Department Awards of the United States Department of State The United States Department of State, like other agencies of the U.S. federal government, gives civilian decorations for outstanding service, sacrifice, or heroism... Secretary's Distinguished Service Award |
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| U.S. Unit Awards | |
| Joint Meritorious Unit Award Joint Meritorious Unit Award The Joint Meritorious Unit Award is a military award that was established on June 4, 1981 by Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger and was implemented by Department of Defense Directive 1348.27 dated July 22, 1982... (with 1 bronze Oak Leaf Cluster) |
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Army Meritorious Unit Commendation Meritorious Unit Commendation The Meritorious Unit Commendation is a mid-level unit award of the United States military which is awarded to any military command which displays exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service, heroic deeds, or valorous actions.... |
| U.S. Service (Campaign) Medals and Service and Training Ribbons | |
| National Defense Service Medal National Defense Service Medal The National Defense Service Medal is a military service medal of the United States military originally commissioned by President Dwight D. Eisenhower... (with 1 Service Star Service star A service star, also referred to as a battle star, campaign star, or engagement star, is an attachment to a United States military decoration which denotes participation in military campaigns or multiple bestowals of the same award. Service stars are typically issued for campaign medals, service... ) |
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| Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is a military award of the United States military, which was first created in 1961 by Executive Order of President John Kennedy... |
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| Southwest Asia Service Medal Southwest Asia Service Medal The Southwest Asia Service Medal is a military award of the United States armed forces which was created by order of President George H.W. Bush on March 12, 1991. The award is intended to recognize those military service members who performed duty during the years of the Persian Gulf War... (with 3 Service Stars Service star A service star, also referred to as a battle star, campaign star, or engagement star, is an attachment to a United States military decoration which denotes participation in military campaigns or multiple bestowals of the same award. Service stars are typically issued for campaign medals, service... ) |
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| Kosovo Campaign Medal Kosovo Campaign Medal The Kosovo Campaign Medal is a military award of the United States armed forces established by Executive Order 13154 of President Bill Clinton on May 3, 2000... (with 2 Service Stars Service star A service star, also referred to as a battle star, campaign star, or engagement star, is an attachment to a United States military decoration which denotes participation in military campaigns or multiple bestowals of the same award. Service stars are typically issued for campaign medals, service... ) |
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| Iraq Campaign Medal Iraq Campaign Medal The Iraq Campaign Medal is a military award of the United States armed forces which was created by Executive Order 13363 of President George W. Bush on November 29, 2004. The Iraq Campaign Medal was designed by the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry.... (with 4 Service Stars Service star A service star, also referred to as a battle star, campaign star, or engagement star, is an attachment to a United States military decoration which denotes participation in military campaigns or multiple bestowals of the same award. Service stars are typically issued for campaign medals, service... ) |
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Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal is a United States armed forces military award created by George W. Bush on March 12, 2003 by Executive Order 13289. It recognizes those military service members who have deployed overseas in direct service to the War on Terror from September 11,... |
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Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Global War on Terrorism Service Medal The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal is a military award of the United States military which was created by Executive Order 13289 of President George W. Bush on March 12, 2003... |
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Armed Forces Service Medal Armed Forces Service Medal The Armed Forces Service Medal is a military award of the United States military which was created on January 11, 1996 by President Bill Clinton under... |
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Army Service Ribbon Army Service Ribbon The Army Service Ribbon is a military decoration of the United States Army that was established by the Secretary of the Army on 10 April 1981 as announced in Department of the Army General Order 15, dated 10 October 1990.... |
| Army Overseas Service Ribbon (with award numeral "7") | |
| NATO Medal for Kosovo NATO Medal The NATO Medal is an international military decoration which is awarded to various militaries of the world under the authority of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization . It is manufactured by Eekelers - Centini, International, of Hemiksem, Belgium... |
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| Romanian Order of Military Merit (not worn) | |
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Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia) Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia) The Naut Tahrir al-Kuwait was instituted by King Fahd ibn Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia for service during the Liberation of Kuwait campaign.- Background :... |
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Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait) Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait) The Wisam Al-Tahrir was issued by the government of Kuwait for service during the Liberation of Kuwait campaign.-Description:The Kuwait Liberation Medal was approved by the Kuwait Council of Ministers for award in five classes, generally according to the rank of the recipient... |
Combat Action Badge
The Combat Action Badge is a military badge worn in the U.S. Army. The emblem features both an M9 bayonet and M67 grenade. The Combat Action Badge may be awarded to any soldier after the date of September 18, 2001 performing duties in an area where hostile fire pay or imminent danger pay is...
Office of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge
The Office of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge is a military badge issued to members of the United States armed forces who are permanently assigned to the Office of the Secretary of Defense and its subordinate offices, and in addition, to some of the Defense Agencies and Department of...
Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge
The Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge is a U.S. Military badge presented to the members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff upon appointment to position as either a Service Head, Vice Chairman, or Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The decoration is also authorized to staff and...
Army Staff Identification Badge
The Army Staff Identification Badge is a badge of the United States Army worn by personnel who serve at the Office of the Secretary of the Army and the Army Staff at Headquarters, Department of the Army and its agencies. Neither an award nor a decoration, the badge is a distinguishing emblem of...
Combat Service Identification Badge
A United States Army Combat Service Identification Badge is a metal heraldic device worn on the right pocket of the new Army Service Uniform that uniquely identifies combat service with major U.S...
- 11 Overseas Service BarOverseas Service BarAn Overseas Service Bar is an accoutrement of the United States Army dress uniform which is displayed as an embroidered gold bar worn horizontally on the right sleeve of the Class A uniform and the Army Service Uniform...
s. - General Odierno is the 2009 recipient of the Naval War College Distinguished Graduate Leadership Award for his strategic leadership and insight.
See also
- Battle Command On The Move (BCOTM)
External links
- Operation New Dawyn at United States Forces - Iraq
- Profile at USJFCOM
- Profile: General Odierno, BBC NewsBBC NewsBBC News is the department of the British Broadcasting Corporation responsible for the gathering and broadcasting of news and current affairs. The department is the world's largest broadcast news organisation and generates about 120 hours of radio and television output each day, as well as online...
, 16 September 2008
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