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Martin Dempsey
General Martin E. Dempsey, CJCS, official portrait 2012.jpg
Official portrait, 2012
Nickname(s) Marty
Born (1952-03-14) 14 March 1952 (age 73)
Allegiance United States
Service/branch 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.

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.

US Army Brigadier General Martin Dempsey in Iraq DF-SD-05-08280
Brigadier General Dempsey, commander of the 1st Armored Division, speaks to Iraqis in Baghdad, Iraq, during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004.

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.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin E. Dempsey talks with U.S. Marine Corps drill instructors at the 4th Recruit Training Battalion, Parris Island, S.C., on March 21, 2013 130321-F-UN972-011
Dempsey talks with U.S. Marine Corps drill instructors in March 2013.

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.

President Obama Welcomes New Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff 03
Retiring Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen, right, administers the oath of office to his successor, General Dempsey, left, during the change of office ceremony in Arlington, Virginia, 2011.

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

Defense.gov photo essay 081208-D-7203T-009
Martin Dempsey's wife Deanie, right, and son, Captain Chris Dempsey, add the new four-star rank insignia to his uniform during his promotion ceremony on Fort Monroe, Virginia, 2008.
Rank Date
US Army O1 shoulderboard rotated.svg Second lieutenant 5 June 1974
US Army O2 shoulderboard rotated.svg First lieutenant 5 June 1976
US Army O3 shoulderboard rotated.svg Captain 8 August 1978
US Army O4 shoulderboard rotated.svg Major 1 September 1985
US Army O5 shoulderboard rotated.svg Lieutenant colonel 1 April 1991
US Army O6 shoulderboard rotated.svg Colonel 1 September 1996
US Army O7 shoulderboard rotated.svg Brigadier general 1 August 2001
US Army O8 shoulderboard rotated.svg Major general 1 September 2004
US Army O9 shoulderboard rotated.svg Lieutenant general 8 September 2005
US Army O10 shoulderboard rotated.svg 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

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