Retired US Army four-star general who was nominated to be the US secretary of defense in December 2020. Upon his confirmation and swearing in in January 2021, he became the United States' first ever black secretary of defense.
He graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1975. He later obtained masters degrees from Auburn University and Webster College.
He served as the commander of United States Central Command (CENTCOM) from 2013 to 2016, where he was the first black commander. He served as the vice chief of staff of the Army from 2012 to 2013.
His wife's name is Charlene. He has two stepsons.
His nomination to become the US secretary of defense was supported by other top military officials, including Colin Powell and Robert Gates.