Mark Milley facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mark Milley
Official portrait, 2023
Born	(1958-06-20) 20 June 1958 (age 67) Winchester, Massachusetts, U.S.
Allegiance	United States
Service/branch	United States Army
Years of service	1980–2023
Rank	General
Commands held	Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Chief of Staff of the United States Army United States Army Forces Command III Corps International Security Assistance Force Joint Command 10th Mountain Division 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light)
Battles/wars	Operation Just Cause Operation Uphold Democracy Operation Joint Endeavor Iraq War War in Afghanistan
Awards	Defense Distinguished Service Medal (3) Army Distinguished Service Medal (5) Defense Superior Service Medal (3) Legion of Merit (3) Bronze Star Medal (4)
Alma mater	Princeton University (BA) Columbia University (MA) Naval War College (MA)
Spouse(s)	Hollyanne Haas ​ (m. 1985)​
Children	2

Mark Alexander Milley (born 20 June 1958) is a retired U.S. Army general. He was the 20th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2019 to 2023. This is the highest military position in the United States. Before that, he was the 39th chief of staff of the Army from 2015 to 2019.

General Milley graduated from Princeton University through the ROTC program in 1980. He became an armor officer. He also earned master's degrees from Columbia University and the Naval War College. As Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he was the main military advisor to the president of the United States and other top leaders.

Early Life and Education

Mark Milley was born on June 20, 1958, in Winchester, Massachusetts. His family has Irish roots, and he was raised Catholic. His grandfather, Peter, served in World War I. His father, Alexander, was a U.S. Navy corpsman in World War II. He fought in battles like Iwo Jima. Milley's mother, Mary Elizabeth, was a nurse in the Navy's WAVES during World War II.

Milley went to a Catholic grammar school and played hockey. His good grades and hockey skills helped him get into Belmont Hill School and then Princeton University. At Princeton, he played varsity ice hockey.

He joined the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) at Princeton. In 1980, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in politics. He later earned a Master of International Affairs degree from Columbia University. He also has another Master of Arts degree in national security from the Naval War College.

Military Career Highlights

General Richard A. Cody gives the oath of office to Milley in February 2008 when he became a brigadier general

Milley became an officer in the Army's armor division in 1980. He joined through Princeton's Army ROTC program.

During his career, Milley served in many different units. These included the 82nd Airborne Division and the 5th Special Forces Group. He also worked on the Operations Staff of the Joint Staff. He was a Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense.

Milley commanded various units throughout his career. He led a Special Forces team. He also commanded the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry in South Korea. From 2003 to 2005, he led the 2nd Brigade Combat Team. He was the commanding general of the 10th Mountain Division from 2011 to 2012. Milley also commanded III Corps in Texas. He was also in charge of the International Security Assistance Force Joint Command. From 2014 to 2015, he led the United States Army Forces Command.

Chief of Staff of the Army

Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh gives the oath of office to Milley on August 14, 2015

Milley became the chief of staff of the Army on August 14, 2015. In his first message, he stressed that the Army must be ready for combat. He said that readiness was the Army's top priority. He also wanted to build an "agile, adaptive Army of the future."

Modernizing the Army

General Milley, President Trump, and Vice President Pence salute during Trump's inauguration parade on January 20, 2017

As Chief of Staff, Milley focused on making the Army more modern. He created a new command to improve how the Army develops new tools. This was similar to how U.S. Special Operations Command works. Milley talked about updating tanks, aircraft, and weapons. He wanted faster results for new equipment. He warned that if the Army didn't change, it might lose future wars.

In 2017, the Army created Security Force Assistance Brigades (SFABs). These units train foreign military groups. Milley said SFAB soldiers would be trained like Special Forces. But they would not be considered Special Forces themselves.

General Joseph Dunford talks with Milley before the 2018 Army–Navy Game

In 2018, Milley and Secretary of the Army Mark Esper started Army Futures Command. This new command in Austin, Texas, works with universities and businesses. It helps develop new warfighting ideas and technologies. They focused on things like long-range weapons and soldier gear.

They also introduced a new Army Combat Fitness Test in 2018. This test was designed to better prepare soldiers for combat. It replaced an older fitness test. Milley said soldiers needed to be in top physical shape for the challenges of combat.

New Army Uniforms

General Milley with Sergeant Major of the Army Daniel A. Dailey and soldiers showing off the new "Pinks and Greens" uniform

In 2017, Milley and Sergeant Major of the Army Daniel A. Dailey thought about bringing back an old uniform. It was a two-tone uniform called "Pinks and Greens." It was worn by soldiers in World War II.

The Army believed this uniform would honor past soldiers. It would also help today's soldiers feel more connected to Army history. This could make them prouder and help with recruiting. The Army said the new uniform would not cost extra for enlisted soldiers. It would also be made in the U.S. The return of the "pinks and greens" uniform was approved in November 2018.

Iraq War Study

General Milley with the Italian chief of Army staff Lieutenant General Danilo Errico at the Pentagon on October 17, 2017

In 2018, Milley was involved in the decision to publish a study on the Iraq War. He wanted to read the long document himself before deciding. He also asked outside experts to review it. Even after good reviews, he delayed its release to read it more.

Later, Milley ordered the study to be published. Two members of Congress expressed anger over the delay. They said the Army should be open about its mistakes. The study was finally published on January 17, 2019.

Climate Change Report

In May 2019, Milley asked for a report on climate change and its impact. The report was written by U.S. government officials. It was released in August 2019. It talked about possible problems like blackouts and food shortages. It also mentioned how climate change could lead to more conflicts.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Milley, Defense Secretary Mark Esper, and members of the 101st Airborne Division visit Bois Jacques during the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, December 2019

Milley with General Valery Gerasimov in Bern, Switzerland, on December 18, 2019

Milley shaking hands with a Navy fan before the 2021 Army–Navy football game

Milley became Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on September 30, 2019. He served until September 30, 2023.

First Trump Administration

On December 8, 2018, President Donald Trump announced he would nominate Milley for the role. The Senate confirmed him on July 25, 2019. He was sworn in on September 30. Milley met with the Russian military chief of staff, Valery Gerasimov, in December 2019. This meeting helped keep communication open between the two militaries.

St. John's Church Incident

Milley walking behind Trump from the White House to St. John's Episcopal Church on June 1, 2020

On June 1, 2020, during protests in Washington, D.C., Milley walked with President Trump to St. John's Episcopal Church. This happened after federal officers had cleared the area. Milley later apologized for his presence. He said it created a perception that the military was involved in domestic politics. He explained that military leaders should avoid such appearances.

After the 2020 Election

After the 2020 election, Milley worked to ensure a peaceful transfer of power. On January 12, 2021, Milley and the Joint Chiefs of Staff released a statement. They condemned the attack on the U.S. Capitol. They reminded all service members to support the Constitution and reject extremism.

Calls with Chinese General

Milley, as Army chief of staff, performs a military inspection alongside his PRC counterpart, Commander of the PLA Ground Force General Li Zuocheng at the Bayi building in Beijing, August 16, 2016

In late 2020 and early 2021, Milley made calls to his Chinese counterpart, General Li Zuocheng. These calls were to ensure stability and prevent misunderstandings. Milley wanted to reassure China that the U.S. government was stable. He also stated that the U.S. had no plans to attack. These calls were part of his duties to prevent conflict. Milley testified that these calls were coordinated with other defense officials.

Meeting on Nuclear Launch Procedure

After the Capitol attack, Milley took steps to ensure national security. He wanted to be consulted on any military action orders, including nuclear weapons. He also spoke with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. He assured her that nuclear controls were secure. He said they would not allow anything "crazy, illegal, immoral, or unethical" to happen.

Additional Actions

Milley testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee on the withdrawal from Afghanistan and his calls to China on September 28, 2021

Milley's actions and comments drew some criticism. However, many supported him. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said President Biden trusted Milley. Senator Angus King said Milley had done a great service to the country.

Biden Administration

Milley, President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, February 10, 2021

Milley and his wife Hollyanne attend a sunrise flag unfurling ceremony on the west side of the Pentagon on September 11, 2021, the 20th anniversary of 9/11

When Joe Biden became president in January 2021, Milley stayed on as Chairman. He officially left the position on September 30, 2023.

In November 2022, Milley urged Russia and Ukraine to find a "political solution" to the Russo-Ukrainian War. He believed the war could not be won by military means alone. In February 2023, he said Russia had lost "strategically, operationally and tactically." He noted Russia was "paying an enormous price" in Ukraine.

Defense of Non-Partisan Military

On June 23, 2021, Milley spoke about the military being non-political. He said he found it "offensive" for the military to be called "woke". He also said he wanted to understand "white rage." This was in response to the attack on the Capitol. He denied agreeing with a statement that President Trump was "crazy." He stated he was not qualified to judge the president's mental health.

Withdrawal from Afghanistan

Milley and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin welcome General "Scott" Miller at Joint Base Andrews during the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal, July 14, 2021

In December 2020, Milley met with the Taliban in Doha. He tried to arrange peace talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government. Milley believed U.S. troops should stay in Afghanistan. This was to prevent another terrorist attack like 9/11.

As U.S. troops left Afghanistan, the Taliban launched an attack. They quickly took control as the Afghan army collapsed. On July 21, 2021, Milley reported that half of Afghanistan's districts were under Taliban control. Kabul was captured by the Taliban on August 15, 2021. This led to a large airlift of civilians from Kabul Airport.

In September 2021, Milley testified before Congress. He said the withdrawal from Afghanistan was a "logistical success but a strategic failure." He refused demands from some members to resign.

Second Trump Administration

On January 20, 2025, after Donald Trump became president again, Milley's official portrait was removed from the Pentagon. A U.S. official said "the White House" ordered its removal.

Operational Deployments

General Milley has served in several military operations:

• Multinational Force and Observers, Sinai, Egypt
• Operation Just Cause, Panama
• Operation Uphold Democracy, Haiti
• Operation Joint Endeavor, Bosnia-Herzegovina
• Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraq
• Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan

Service Summary

Dates of Rank

Promotions

Insignia	Rank	Date
	Second lieutenant	10 June 1980
	First lieutenant	28 November 1981
	Captain	1 March 1984
	Major	1 May 1992
	Lieutenant colonel	1 August 1996
	Colonel	1 April 2002
	Brigadier general	2 June 2008
	Major general	2 March 2011
	Lieutenant general	20 December 2012
	General	15 August 2014

Summary of Assignments

Awards and Decorations

General Milley has received many awards for his service:

Right ...		Left ...
506th Infantry Regiment Distinctive Unit Insignia		Combat Infantryman Badge (2nd Award)
French Parachutist Badge			Defense Distinguished Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Joint Meritorious Unit Award with oak leaf cluster	Army Meritorious Unit Commendation with three oak leaf clusters	Army Distinguished Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters	Navy Distinguished Service Medal	Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
101st Airborne Division Combat Service Identification Badge		Defense Superior Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters	Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters	Bronze Star Medal with three oak leaf clusters
		Meritorious Service Medal with silver oak leaf cluster	Army Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters	Army Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster
		National Defense Service Medal with service star	Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with two service stars	Afghanistan Campaign Medal with three campaign star
	Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal	Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Korea Defense Service Medal	Humanitarian Service Medal	Army Service Ribbon
Army Overseas Service Ribbon with award numeral 6	NATO Medal for service with ISAF with service star	Multinational Force and Observers Medal
French National Order of Merit, Commander	Order of the British Empire, Honorary Knight Commander (Military Division) (KBE)	Order of Australia, Honorary Officer (Military Division) (AO)
Special Forces Tab		Ranger Tab
Master Parachutist Badge		Special Operations Diver Badge
Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge		United States Army Staff Identification Badge

Other awards
	Presidential Commendation (Trump)
	Expert Infantryman Badge
	10 Overseas Service Bars

Civilian Career

After retiring from the military, Milley began a new career. In February 2024, he joined Georgetown University and Princeton University. At Georgetown, he helps students in the Security Studies Program. At Princeton, he is a visiting professor. He also became a senior advisor for JPMorgan Chase bank. He joined a speakers' agency called Harry Walker Agency.

Personal Life

Mark Milley married Hollyanne Haas in May 1985. They have two children. Hollyanne is a nurse. She worked in critical care and cardiac nursing for many years. At a Veterans Day ceremony in 2020, she saved a veteran's life. She performed CPR on him when he collapsed.