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William McRaven
ADM William H. McRaven 2012.jpg
Official portrait, 2012
11th Chancellor of the University of Texas System
In office
January 5, 2015 – May 31, 2018
Preceded by Francisco G. Cigarroa
Succeeded by James B. Milliken
9th Commander of the United States Special Operations Command
In office
August 8, 2011 – August 28, 2014
President Barack Obama
Deputy David P. Fridovich
John F. Mulholland Jr.
Preceded by Eric T. Olson
Succeeded by Joseph Votel
Personal details
Born
William Harry McRaven

(1955-11-06) November 6, 1955 (age 69)
Pinehurst, North Carolina, U.S.
Spouse Georgeann Brady
Children 3
Education University of Texas, Austin (BA)
Naval Postgraduate School (MS)
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/service United States Navy
Years of service 1977–2014
Rank Admiral
Unit SEAL Team Six
Commands U.S. Special Operations Command
Joint Special Operations Command
Special Operations Command Europe
Naval Special Warfare Group 1
SEAL Team 3
Battles/wars Persian Gulf War
 • Operation Desert Shield
 • Operation Desert Storm
War on terror
 • Operation Enduring Freedom
 • Operation Neptune Spear
War in Afghanistan
Iraq War
Awards Defense Distinguished Service Medal (3)
Defense Superior Service Medal (2)
Legion of Merit (2)
Bronze Star (2)

William Harry McRaven (born November 6, 1955) is a retired four-star admiral from the United States Navy. He was the ninth commander of the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) from 2011 to 2014. After his military career, he became the leader (chancellor) of The University of Texas System from 2015 to 2018.

McRaven also led the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) from 2008 to 2011. Before that, he commanded Special Operations Command Europe (SOCEUR) from 2006 to 2008. He also helped create the NATO Special Operations Forces Coordination Center. Admiral McRaven retired from the U.S. Navy in 2014, after serving for more than 37 years.

Early Life and Education

William McRaven was born in Pinehurst, North Carolina. His father, Claude C. McRaven, was a Spitfire fighter pilot in World War II. He also played a short time in the NFL. William has two older sisters.

His family moved to San Antonio, Texas, when he was in elementary school. He went to Theodore Roosevelt High School and was on the track team.

McRaven attended the University of Texas at Austin. He was part of the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps. In 1977, he earned a bachelor's degree in journalism. He later received a master's degree from the Naval Postgraduate School. There, he helped start a special program for special operations.

Naval Career

After college, McRaven became an officer in the U.S. Navy. He joined the intense Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training (BUD/S). He finished this training in 1978 and became a Navy SEAL.

As a Navy SEAL officer, McRaven served in the Philippines in 1979 and 1981. In 1982, he joined SEAL Team Six. He later became a commander of SEAL Team THREE from 1994 to 1996. He also led Naval Special Warfare Group ONE from 1999 to 2001.

In 2001, McRaven broke his pelvis in a parachute accident during training. He earned a master's degree in 1993. His thesis, "The Theory of Special Operations," was later published as a book.

McRaven worked in different special operations roles. He was a director for Strategic Planning on the National Security Council Staff. He also worked with General Stanley A. McChrystal in a group called 'Task Force 714'. This group was very successful in fighting Al Qaeda in Iraq.

After taking command of JSOC in 2008, McRaven asked for special teams to be created. These "Cultural Support Teams" (CSTs) would work with Afghan women in special operations in Afghanistan.

Defense.gov photo essay 110808-F-RG147-355
Georgeann Brady McRaven, McRaven's wife, and Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta affix Navy Adm. William H. McRaven's new rank as a Four-Star Admiral at a U.S. Special Operations Command ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base, in Tampa, Florida, August 8, 2011
DIG13879dhk 009
(L-R) U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, speaks with William McRaven, at a reception at the LBJ Presidential Library, in the background, at center, is Carmel Fenves, wife of University of Texas at Austin president Greg Fenves

On April 6, 2011, President Barack Obama nominated McRaven for promotion to admiral. He was chosen to be the ninth commander of USSOCOM. The Senate approved his promotion. He officially took command on August 8, 2011.

Operation Neptune's Spear

Admiral McRaven is known for planning and leading Operation Neptune's Spear. This was the special operation that led to the killing of Osama bin Laden on May 2, 2011. CIA Director Leon Panetta gave McRaven the power to make all the decisions for this mission. McRaven had worked on counter-terrorism for many years.

He worked with the CIA to plan the operation. They considered different ways to attack the compound where bin Laden was hiding. President Obama called McRaven the day before the mission to wish him good luck.

In December 2011, McRaven was a runner-up for Time Person of the Year. This was because of his important role in this operation.

Retirement from the Military

In June 2014, Admiral McRaven announced his retirement. He left the U.S. Navy on September 1, 2014. He had served for 37 years. For the last few years of his career, he held the title of "Bull Frog." This title goes to the longest-serving Navy SEAL still on duty.

University of Texas Chancellor

In July 2014, Admiral McRaven was chosen to be the chancellor of the University of Texas System. He started this role on January 5, 2015.

He stepped down from this position on May 31, 2018. He did this because of ongoing health issues. He also wanted to spend more time with his family.

Views on Leadership

Admiral McRaven has often spoken about the importance of good leadership. He believes leaders should be honest and have strong character. He has also talked about the need for the United States to lead on the global stage. He thinks strong alliances with other countries are very important.

He has shared his concerns about leaders who might divide a nation. He believes that leaders should bring people together, especially during tough times. He has also stressed the importance of speaking the truth.

Personal Life

McRaven is married to Georgeann Brady. They met when they were both students at the University of Texas at Austin. They got married in 1978 and have three children.

Philanthropy

Admiral McRaven and his wife are on the board of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. This foundation helps the families of special operations soldiers.

In March 2024, McRaven received a $50 million award from Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez. He said he would use this money to help educate children of veterans who have passed away. He also plans to support the mental health of veterans. Another goal is to educate future military leaders.

Awards and Decorations

Award Ribbons and Badges

United States Navy Special Warfare insignia.png
Bronze oak leaf cluster
Bronze oak leaf cluster
Bronze oak leaf cluster
Gold star
Gold star
Gold star
Gold star
Gold star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Afghanistan Campaign ribbon.svg Iraq Campaign ribbon.svg
Global War on Terrorism Service ribbon.svg
Legion Honneur GO ribbon.svg Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia) ribbon.svg
Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait) ribbon.svg United States Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon with expert device.svg United States Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon with expert device.svg
U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps Parachutist Insignia-redone.png
US - Presidential Service Badge.png United States Special Operations Command Insignia.svg

Award and Badge Names

Naval Special Warfare insignia
Defense Distinguished Service Medal
with two bronze oak leaf clusters
Defense Superior Service Medal with oak leaf cluster
Legion of Merit with one gold award star Bronze Star Medal with gold award star Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal with three gold award stars Joint Service Commendation Medal Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal Combat Action Ribbon Navy Unit Commendation with two bronze service stars
National Intelligence Distinguished Public Service Medal Navy "E" Ribbon National Defense Service Medal with bronze service star
Southwest Asia Service Medal with three bronze service stars Afghanistan Campaign Medal Iraq Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon Legion of Honor Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia)
Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait) Navy Expert Rifleman Medal Navy Expert Pistol Shot Medal
Navy and Marine Corps Parachutist Insignia
Presidential Service Badge United States Special Operations
Command Badge

Additional Awards

  • The Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement (2014)
  • The Distinguished American Award (2016)
  • The Texas Commandery of the Naval Order of the United States 2017 Nimitz Leadership Award
  • The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association’s National Award
  • The National Intelligence Award

Books

  • Spec Ops: Case Studies in Special Operations Warfare: Theory and Practice (Paperback: ISBN: 978-0-89141-600-5)
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