Martin Dempsey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Martin Dempsey
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Official portrait, 2012
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| Nickname(s) | Marty |
| Born | 14 March 1952 |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1974–2015 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands held | Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Chief of Staff of the United States Army United States Army Training and Doctrine Command United States Central Command Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq 1st Armored Division 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Gulf War Iraq War |
| Awards | Defense Distinguished Service Medal (3) Army Distinguished Service Medal (6) Navy Distinguished Service Medal Air Force Distinguished Service Medal Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit (3) Bronze Star Medal (2) with Valor V |
Martin Edward Dempsey (born March 14, 1952) is a retired American military officer. He is often called "Marty" or "Tank." He held one of the highest military positions in the United States. From 2011 to 2015, he was the 18th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This role means he was the top military advisor to the President. Before that, he was the head of the United States Army as its Chief of Staff. He also led several important military commands, including the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command. After retiring, he became a professor at Duke University and led USA Basketball.
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Early Life & Education
Martin Dempsey was born on March 14, 1952, in Jersey City, New Jersey. He grew up in Bayonne, New Jersey. He went to high school in Goshen (village), New York. His family background is Irish American.
After high school, Dempsey attended the United States Military Academy at West Point. He graduated from West Point in 1974. He also earned master's degrees from Duke University and military colleges.
Military Career Highlights
Dempsey began his military career as an officer in the Armor Branch in 1974. He served in various roles, including leading a tank battalion in Germany. He also served as an officer during the Gulf War.
Leading the 1st Armored Division
In 2003, Dempsey became the commander of the US 1st Armored Division. He led this division for 13 months in Iraq from 2003 to 2004. His command was called "Task Force Iron." It was the largest division-level command in the history of the United States Army.
During this time, the situation in Iraq became very challenging. Major General Dempsey and his team were responsible for the area around Baghdad. They worked to handle the growing conflict. Many people praised his leadership during this difficult period.
Key Leadership Roles
After his time in Iraq, Dempsey took on several other important leadership positions. He served as the deputy commander of United States Central Command. This command oversees U.S. military operations in the Middle East.
In 2008, he became the commander of the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command. This command is responsible for training soldiers and developing Army strategy.
Top Military Leader
In 2011, General Dempsey was nominated to be the 37th Chief of Staff of the United States Army. This means he was the highest-ranking officer in the Army. He was sworn into this role in April 2011.
Just a few months later, in May 2011, President Barack Obama nominated Dempsey for an even higher position. He was chosen to be the 18th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This is the most senior military officer in the United States Armed Forces. He advises the President and the Secretary of Defense on military matters.
General Dempsey was confirmed by the Senate and began his role as Chairman in October 2011. He served two terms in this position, stepping down in September 2015.
Life After Retirement
After retiring from the military, Martin Dempsey continued to serve in other ways. He became a professor at Duke University. He also took on the role of chairman for USA Basketball in 2016. He was re-elected to this position in 2024.
In 2020, Dempsey was honored by being inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame. This recognized his many years of public service.
Personal Life
Martin Dempsey is married to his high school sweetheart, Deanie. They have three children, Chris, Megan, and Caitlin. All three of their children have also served in the United States Army. Martin and Deanie are proud grandparents to nine grandchildren.
Dates of Rank
| Rank | Date |
|---|---|
 Second lieutenant |
5 June 1974 |
 First lieutenant |
5 June 1976 |
 Captain |
8 August 1978 |
 Major |
1 September 1985 |
 Lieutenant colonel |
1 April 1991 |
 Colonel |
1 September 1996 |
 Brigadier general |
1 August 2001 |
 Major general |
1 September 2004 |
 Lieutenant general |
8 September 2005 |
 General |
8 December 2008 |
Awards and Honors
General Dempsey received many awards and decorations during his long career. These include top U.S. military medals like the Defense Distinguished Service Medal and the Army Distinguished Service Medal. He also received awards from other countries, recognizing his work with international partners.
In 2016, Queen Elizabeth II made him an honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire. This was for his strong commitment to defense cooperation between Britain and America.
See also
In Spanish: Martin Dempsey para niños
