Robert Gates Biography
Robert Gates an American statesman, scholar, intelligence analyst, and university president he served as the 22nd United States Secretary of Defense from the year 2006 to 2011. In the history of U.S, he was the first to be asked to remain in that office by a newly elected President as states Secretary of Defense.
He began in the United States Air Force as an officer but was quickly recruited by the CIA. He served for 26 years in the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Council. He served as the Director of Central Intelligence under President George H. W. Bush.
Robert Gates Age
He was born on September 25, 1943, in Wichita, Kansas as Robert Michael Gates. He is 75 years.
Robert Gates Wife | Children
He married his wife Becky Gates on January 7, 1967, and together they have two children.
Robert Gates Net Worth
He has a net worth of $ 5 million.
Robert Gates Education and Career
In 1961, he graduated from Wichita High School East. He received a scholarship to study at College of William and Mary, he was an active member of Young Republicans while still studying. He graduated in 1965, and the following year he obtained a degree in History from University of Indiana.
In 1974, he completed his Ph.D. in Russian and Soviet history at Georgetown University. He joined the Central Intelligence Agency while still at the University. But prior to joining the Central Intelligence Agency, he served two years in the United States Air Force which includes a period in Vietnam. In 1974, he worked for President Jimmy Carter as a National Security Council staff and spent nearly nine years at the National Security Council, The White House, serving four presidents of both political parties. In 1979, he left the National Security Council and rejoined the CIA as executive assistant to Stansfield Turner, the CIA director. He spent almost 27 years serving as an Intelligence professional.
He served as Director of Central Intelligence from 1991 until 1993, where he became the only known person in the CIA’s history to rise from entry-level employee to a CIA Director. From 1986-1989, he served as the Deputy Director of Central Intelligence. From January 20, 1989, to November 6, 1991, he worked as Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Adviser at the White House for President George H.W. Bush.
From 1999-2001 he also served as an interim Dean of the George Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M. On August 1, 2002, he took office as the President of Texas A&M University. President George W. Bush nominated him as the Secretary of Defense. From December 2006-July 2011 he served as U.S. Secretary of Defense.
Robert Gates Comments to Donald Trump
He was among other former intelligence officials who signed a letter criticizing President Trump’s decision to revoke former CIA director John Brennan’s security clearance. Robert and other former Intelligence officials wrote in the letter that the decisions on security clearances should be based on national security concerns and not political views.
Robert Gates Awards
He has twice received the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal, has also been awarded the National Security Medal, the Presidential Citizens Medal, and has three times received CIA’s highest award, the Distinguished Intelligence Medal.
Robert Gates Books
Over the years Robert has written and published several books;
- From the Shadows: The Ultimate Insiders Story of Five Presidents and How They Won The Cold War. It was published in 1996.
- An Investors Guide To China’s Provinces and Cities, published in 2003.
- Iran: Time For New Approach, it was authored by Robert together with Zbigniew Brzezinski and Suzanne Maloney and was published in 2004.
- Understanding the New U.S Defense Policy was published in 2008.
- Nuclear Posture Review Report published in April 2010.
- Final Recommendation of the Fort Hood Follow-on Review published in 2011.
- Nation defense Strategy published on 8 March 2013.
- Duty: Memoir of A Secretary at War published in 2014.
- A Passion for Leadership published on the 19th January 2016.