John Poindexter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Poindexter
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| 13th United States National Security Advisor | |
| In office December 4, 1985 – November 25, 1986 |
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| President | Ronald Reagan |
| Preceded by | Robert McFarlane |
| Succeeded by | Frank Carlucci |
| 13th United States Deputy National Security Advisor | |
| In office October 17, 1983 – December 4, 1985 |
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| President | Ronald Reagan |
| Preceded by | Robert McFarlane |
| Succeeded by | Donald Fortier |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
John Marlan Poindexter
August 12, 1936 Odon, Indiana, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Linda Poindexter |
| Children | 5, including Dex |
| Education | United States Naval Academy (BS) California Institute of Technology (MS, PhD) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1958–1987 |
| Rank | Vice Admiral Retired as a Rear Admiral |
| Commands | USS England Destroyer Squadron 31 |
| Awards | Legion of Merit (2) Presidential Service Badge |
John Marlan Poindexter (born August 12, 1936) is a retired U.S. Navy officer and government official. He served as Deputy National Security Advisor and later as National Security Advisor for President Ronald Reagan.
He was involved in the Iran–Contra affair, a political event during the 1980s. He was found guilty of some charges related to this, but these decisions were later overturned. Later, he worked for the Department of Defense under President George W. Bush. John Poindexter is also the father of Alan G. Poindexter, a NASA astronaut.
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Early Life and Education
John Poindexter was born in Odon, Indiana. He attended the United States Naval Academy, graduating first in his class in 1958. His classmates included astronaut Bruce McCandless II and Senator John McCain.
He continued his studies at the California Institute of Technology. There, he earned a master's degree (MS) in 1961 and a doctorate (PhD) in nuclear physics in 1964. For his PhD, he worked with Nobel Laureate Rudolf Mössbauer.
During his time in the Navy, Poindexter commanded Destroyer Squadron 31. He helped develop new strategies for naval battles in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. He also commanded the ship USS England, where he used computers to help manage ship repairs.
He also served as an executive officer and chief engineer on other destroyers. As deputy commander of the Naval Education and Training Command, he led the Navy's training programs. He helped create a system to manage training information better.
Poindexter held several important staff roles, including assistant to the Chief of Naval Operations. He reached the rank of Vice Admiral while serving as National Security Advisor. However, he was later reverted to the rank of Rear Admiral in 1986 due to his involvement in the Iran–Contra affair. He retired from the Navy in 1987.
Government Service
John Poindexter worked in the Reagan administration from 1981 to 1986. He started as a military assistant to the National Security Advisor. From 1983 to 1985, he was the Deputy National Security Advisor. In this role, he led a group that planned for national security crises.
From 1985 to 1986, he became the National Security Advisor. He advised the President on important matters like national security, foreign policy, and defense. He played a part in events such as the Strategic Defense Initiative and the Reykjavík Summit with the Soviet Union.
The Iran–Contra Affair
The Iran–Contra affair was a major political event during the 1980s. In this event, John Poindexter and another official, Oliver North, were involved in sending aid to a group called the Contras in Nicaragua. They also sent money and weapons to Iran. The goal was to help free American hostages held in Lebanon.
This action went against a rule called the Boland Amendment. This rule said the United States could not directly or indirectly help the Contras. Poindexter was seen as a leader in organizing the transfer of weapons to Iran.
Poindexter and North used a special computer system to send messages to each other. Even though they tried to delete these messages, some were recovered. These messages were later used in court. Poindexter resigned from his position in November 1986 after the affair became public.
On April 7, 1990, Poindexter was found guilty of five charges, including lying to Congress. These charges were related to the investigations into the arms sales to Iran and the money sent to the Contras. However, his convictions were overturned in 1991. This happened because the appeals court found that witnesses against him might have been influenced by his earlier testimony to Congress, for which he had been given immunity.
Later Work
After leaving government service, Poindexter worked for several defense and technology companies. From 1988 to 1989, he was a senior scientist at Presearch, Inc. He helped develop a digital imaging system for security.
From 1990 to 1996, he was the chief designer for TP Systems, Inc., a software company he co-founded. He developed software for IBM personal computers. He also consulted for Elkins Group, helping develop a satellite-based training system.
From 1996 to 2002, Poindexter was a senior vice president at SYNTEK Technologies. He advised on management and directed information systems projects. In 2000, he joined the board of Saffron Technology, where he helped create a tool to analyze networks of Iraqi insurgents.
Information Awareness Office
From January 2002 to August 2003, Poindexter led the DARPA Information Awareness Office (IAO). The IAO's goal was to develop new information technologies. These technologies aimed to help the U.S. counter threats like terrorism by gathering and understanding information.
Family Life
John Poindexter is married to Linda Poindexter. They have five sons. One of their sons was the late Alan G. Poindexter, a NASA astronaut. Alan Poindexter was a Space Shuttle pilot on the STS-122 mission and commander of STS-131 to the International Space Station.
See also
In Spanish: John Poindexter para niños
