Gen. James Mattis sworn in as secretary of defense

 

                                                   James Mattis

26th United States Secretary of Defense
Incumbent
Assumed office January 20, 2017
President	Donald Trump
Preceded by	Ash Carter
Commander of United States Central Command
In office August 11, 2010 – March 22, 2013
President	Barack Obama
Preceded by	John R. Allen (Acting)
Succeeded by	Lloyd Austin
Commander of the United States Joint Forces Command
In office November 9, 2007 – August 11, 2010
President	George W. Bush Barack Obama
Preceded by	Lance L. Smith
Succeeded by	Keith Huber (Acting)
Supreme Allied Commander of Transformation
In office November 9, 2007 – September 8, 2009
Preceded by	Lance Smith
Succeeded by	Stéphane Abrial
Personal details
Born	September 8, 1950 (age 66) Pullman, Washington, U.S.
Political party	Independent
Education	Central Washington University (BA)
Military service
Nickname(s)	"Chaos" (callsign)[1] "Warrior Monk" "Mad Dog"[2]
Allegiance	United States
Service/branch	United States Marine Corps
Years of service	1969–2013
Rank	General
Commands	U.S. Central Command U.S. Joint Forces Command Supreme Allied Commander Transformation I Marine Expeditionary Force U.S. Marine Forces Central Command Marine Corps Combat Development Command 1st Marine Division 7th Marine Regiment 1st Battalion, 7th Marines
Battles/wars	Persian Gulf War Invasion of Afghanistan Iraq War  • Invasion of Iraq  • First Battle of Fallujah  • Second Battle of Fallujah
Awards	Defense Distinguished Service Medal (2) Navy Distinguished Service Medal Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit Bronze Star (with Valor) Meritorious Service Medal (3)