10. Colin Powell
Branch of Service
Military Accomplishments
After the Military
Accomplishments
Branch of Service: United States Army
Military Accomplishments:
1. Served two tours of duty in Vietnam War (1962-1963 and 1968-1969)
2. Awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam
3. Served as a White House Fellow to Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird (1972-1973)
4. Became a General in 1989
5. Served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989-1993)
6. Played a crucial role in the military planning of the Gulf War (1990-1991)
7. Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States
After the Military Accomplishments:
1. Appointed as the United States Secretary of State by President George W. Bush (2001-2005)
2. Played a key role in shaping US foreign policy during the Bush administration, including advocating for the Iraq War in 2003
3. Campaigned for increased educational opportunities for underprivileged children as part of America's Promise Alliance
4. Served as a visiting professor at several universities, including George Washington University and Stanford University
5. Published an autobiography, "My American Journey," which became a bestselling book and received critical acclaim
6. Active in various philanthropic endeavors and served on the board of several organizations focused on military veterans, education, and public service.
Before becoming Secretary of State, Powell had a literal lifetime of military service from college in the 1950s until his retirement in the 1990s.
Yes, you are correct. Colin Powell had a long and distinguished career in the military before becoming Secretary of State. Here are some additional military accomplishments from his earlier years:
1. Commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army in 1958 after graduating from the City College of New York
2. Served as a platoon leader and then as a company commander in the 101st Airborne Division
3. Volunteered for a second tour of duty in Vietnam, where he was assigned as a senior military assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense
4. Earned a master's degree in business administration from George Washington University while still serving in the Army
5. Served as a battalion executive officer in Korea and as a brigade executive officer in the United States
6. Commanded the 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, and the 4th Infantry Division
7. Became Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff at the Pentagon
8. Worked as a military advisor to the Secretary of Defense under the Carter administration
9. Promoted to Major General in 1986 and then to Lieutenant General in 1988
10. Became the Commander-in-Chief of Forces Command in 1989, overseeing the Army's major combat units in the United States and worldwide
His extensive military experience and achievements played a significant role in his subsequent appointment as Secretary of State.