Mark Milley facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mark Milley
Official portrait, 2023
Born	Mark Alexander Milley (1958-06-20) 20 June 1958 (age 68) Winchester, Massachusetts, U.S.
Allegiance	United States
Branch	United States Army
Service years	1980–2023
Rank	General
Commands	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)
Conflicts	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 (MIA) Naval War College (MA)
Spouse	Hollyanne Haas ​ (m. 1985)​
Children	2
Signature

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Mark Alexander Milley (born on June 20, 1958) is a retired United States Army general. He served as the 20th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2019 to 2023. Before that, he was the 39th Chief of Staff of the United States Army from 2015 to 2019. He held many important leadership roles in the Army.

General Milley graduated from Princeton University in 1980. He became an officer in the Army's armor branch. He also earned master's degrees from Columbia University and the Naval War College. During his career, he served in several military operations. These included missions in Panama, Haiti, the Iraq War, and the War in Afghanistan.

As Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Milley was the highest-ranking military officer in the United States Armed Forces. He advised the President of the United States, the Secretary of Defense, and other important councils on military matters. After his military service, General Milley received a presidential pardon. On January 20, 2025, his official portrait was removed from the Pentagon. A few days later, his security clearance was suspended, and his security team was withdrawn.

Mark Milley's Early Life and Education

Mark Milley was born in Winchester, Massachusetts, on June 20, 1958. His family has Irish roots. His grandfather, Peter, fought in World War I. His father, Alexander, served in the United States Navy during World War II. His mother, Mary Elizabeth, was also a nurse in the Navy during World War II.

Milley in the Princeton University yearbook, 1980

As a child, Milley went to a Catholic school and played hockey. He was good at academics and sports. This helped him get into Belmont Hill School and then Princeton University. At Princeton, he continued to play ice hockey.

At Princeton, he joined the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). This program trains college students to become military officers. In 1980, he earned a degree in politics. He later earned master's degrees from Columbia University and the Naval War College.

Mark Milley's Military Career

General Richard A. Cody promotes Milley to brigadier general in February 2008.

Mark Milley became an Army officer in 1980. He served in many different units. These included the 82nd Airborne Division and the 5th Special Forces Group. He also worked on the staff of the Joint Staff.

He took part in several important military operations. These included Operation Just Cause in Panama and Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti. He also served in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Iraq War, and the War in Afghanistan. He also had assignments in Colombia, Somalia, and South Korea.

Milley led many different groups during his career. He commanded a Special Forces team. He also led a battalion in South Korea. Later, he commanded the 2nd Brigade Combat Team and the entire 10th Mountain Division. He also led III Corps and the United States Army Forces Command.

Leading the Army as Chief of Staff

Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh gives the oath of office to Milley as the new Army chief of staff in August 2015.

On August 14, 2015, Milley became the Chief of Staff of the United States Army. This is a very important leadership role. He focused on making sure the Army was always ready for combat. He also worked on preparing the Army for future challenges.

Modernizing the Army

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

During his time as Chief of Staff, Milley worked to modernize the Army. He wanted to make sure the Army had the best equipment and training. He helped create a new command called Army Futures Command. This command helps develop new technologies and ideas for the Army.

He also helped create Security Force Assistance Brigades (SFABs). These units train foreign military forces. They help other countries improve their defense. Milley also introduced a new Army Combat Fitness Test. This test helps ensure soldiers are in top physical shape for combat.

Bringing Back a Classic Uniform

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

In 2017, Milley and Sergeant Major of the Army Daniel A. Dailey suggested bringing back an old Army uniform. This uniform, known as the "Pinks and Greens," was worn by soldiers in World War II. They believed it would honor Army history and make soldiers proud.

The Army approved the return of this uniform in November 2018. It was designed to be a professional uniform for daily wear. The Army made sure that it would not cost extra money for soldiers or taxpayers.

Studying the Iraq War

General Milley with Italian Army Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Danilo Errico at the Pentagon in October 2017.

In 2018, Milley was involved in publishing a study about the Iraq War. This study looked at the events of the war from 2003 to 2006. He wanted to make sure the Army learned from its past experiences. The two-volume study was officially published in January 2019.

Report on Climate Change

In May 2019, Milley asked for a report on how climate change might affect society and the U.S. military. The report was released in August 2019. It discussed possible challenges like power outages and food shortages. It also mentioned how these issues could lead to more conflicts around the world.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Milley, Defense Secretary Mark Esper, and members of the 101st Airborne Division tour the 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 the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on September 30, 2019. He served in this role until September 30, 2023.

Working with Presidents

President Donald Trump nominated Milley for this top military position. The Senate confirmed his appointment in July 2019. As Chairman, Milley worked with military leaders from other countries. He met with the Russian military chief of staff in Switzerland to keep communication open.

Important Decisions and Events

In June 2020, during protests in Washington, D.C., Milley walked with President Trump to St. John's Episcopal Church. Milley later apologized for his presence. He explained that his role should not appear to involve the military in political events.

Milley also communicated with his Chinese counterpart in late 2020 and early 2021. These calls were made to ensure stability and prevent misunderstandings between the two countries.

In December 2020, Milley met with the Taliban in Qatar. He aimed to help arrange peace talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government. He believed U.S. troops should stay in Afghanistan to prevent future terrorist attacks.

As U.S. troops left Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban quickly took control. Milley described the withdrawal as a "logistical success but a strategic failure." He noted that the Afghan government collapsed faster than expected.

In November 2022, Milley encouraged Russia and Ukraine to find a peaceful solution to their conflict. He stated that the war could not be won by military means alone. In February 2023, he said that Russia had suffered significant losses in the conflict.

Life After Military Service

On January 20, 2025, President Joe Biden granted Milley a pardon. This was done to protect him from any future actions by the incoming administration. On January 29, 2025, his security clearance was suspended, and his security detail was removed. His actions as Chairman were also reviewed.

In February 2024, Milley joined Georgetown University and Princeton University as a visiting professor. He also became a senior advisor for JPMorgan Chase bank. He joined a speakers' agency as well.

Operational Deployments

Milley served in various military operations, including:

• Multinational Force and Observers, Sinai, Egypt
• Operation Just Cause, Panama
• Operation Uphold Democracy, Haiti
• Operation Joint Endeavor, Bosnia and 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 Achievements

General Milley has received many awards for his service. Some of his top awards include:

• Defense Distinguished Service Medal (3 awards)
• Army Distinguished Service Medal (5 awards)
• Defense Superior Service Medal (3 awards)
• Legion of Merit (3 awards)
• Bronze Star Medal (4 awards)

He also earned special badges like the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Ranger Tab. These show his skills in combat and special operations.

Mark Milley's Family Life

Mark Milley is married to Hollyanne Haas. They got married in May 1985 and have two children. Hollyanne is a nurse who has worked in critical care and cardiac nursing. In 2020, she even saved a veteran's life by performing CPR at a public ceremony.

See also

In Spanish: Mark Milley para niños