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David H. Berger

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Article Genealogy
Parent: United States Department of the Navy Hop 4
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David H. Berger
NameDavid H. Berger
CaptionGeneral David H. Berger, 38th Commandant of the Marine Corps
Birth date20 November 1959
Birth placeWoodbine, Maryland, U.S.
AllegianceUnited States
BranchUnited States Marine Corps
Serviceyears1981–2023
RankGeneral
CommandsCommandant of the Marine Corps, Marine Corps Combat Development Command, I Marine Expeditionary Force, 1st Marine Division, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines
BattlesIraq War, War in Afghanistan
AwardsDefense Distinguished Service Medal, Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit (2), Bronze Star Medal
SpouseDonna L. Berger

David H. Berger is a retired general of the United States Marine Corps who served as the 38th Commandant of the Marine Corps. He assumed the role in July 2019 after being nominated by President Donald Trump and confirmed by the United States Senate. His tenure was defined by the implementation of the transformative Force Design 2030 initiative, a comprehensive effort to modernize the Marine Corps for future naval and expeditionary warfare. He retired from active service in July 2023 after a 42-year career.

Early life and education

He was born in Woodbine, Maryland, and later attended Tulane University, where he graduated in 1981 with a degree in engineering and was commissioned as a second lieutenant through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program. He later earned a Master of Arts in international studies from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. His military education includes the Marine Corps Amphibious Warfare School, the United States Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, and the Marine Corps War College.

Military career

His early assignments included service as a rifle and weapons platoon commander with the 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune. He served in various command and staff roles, including as a company commander with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines during Operation Desert Storm. He commanded the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines during the initial stages of the Iraq War, participating in the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Key staff assignments included service on the Joint Staff in the J-5 Directorate and as the military secretary to the Commandant of the Marine Corps. He later commanded the 1st Marine Division and served as the commanding general of I Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Forces Pacific.

Commandant of the Marine Corps

Upon becoming Commandant of the Marine Corps, he immediately championed Force Design 2030, a controversial but ambitious plan to restructure the Marine Corps for potential conflict with peer competitors like China and Russia. This involved divesting legacy capabilities such as tanks and certain artillery units to invest in long-range precision fires, unmanned systems, and enhanced Navy integration. His tenure also focused on addressing cultural issues within the Marine Corps, including the integration of women, the removal of Confederate-associated symbols, and confronting extremism. He worked closely with the Chief of Naval Operations to advance the Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations concept and the National Defense Strategy.

Post-commandant activities

Following his retirement in July 2023, he was succeeded by General Eric M. Smith. He has since joined the private sector, taking a position on the board of directors for Leidos, a major defense and information technology contractor. He also serves as a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, where he contributes to research on defense policy and Marine Corps modernization. He frequently speaks on national security issues and the future of the United States Armed Forces.

Awards and decorations

His personal awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, two awards of the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. He is also authorized to wear the Combat Action Ribbon, the Navy and Marine Corps Parachutist Insignia, and various unit and campaign awards from his service in Operation Iraqi Freedom and the War in Afghanistan.

Personal life

He is married to Donna L. Berger, a former teacher and advocate for military families who served as the president of the Marine Corps Officer Spouses' Club. They have three adult children. His personal interests include running, reading military history, and spending time with his family. He is known for his intellectual approach to warfare and has authored several professional articles for publications like the Marine Corps Gazette.

Category:United States Marine Corps generals Category:Commandants of the United States Marine Corps Category:1959 births Category:Living people