General John M. Keane

General John M. Keane is a retired four-star general in the United States Army whose distinguished career spanned nearly four decades, including service in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and key leadership roles during the early phases of the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) and the Iraq War. He served as the United States Army Vice Chief of Staff and commanded the United States Army Forces Command, playing a pivotal role in transforming the United States Army for post-Cold War conflicts. Following his retirement, Keane became a prominent national security analyst, corporate advisor, and influential advocate for the 2007 surge in Iraq.

Early life and education

John M. Keane was born on February 26, 1943, in New York City and was raised in the Manhattan neighborhood of Washington Heights. He attended Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx before pursuing higher education at Fordham University, where he participated in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps program. He graduated and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army in 1966. Keane later furthered his military education at the United States Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth and the United States Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Military career

Keane's operational career began with combat deployments to South Vietnam during the Vietnam War, where he served with the 173rd Airborne Brigade and later with the 101st Airborne Division, earning a Bronze Star Medal and a Purple Heart. He held numerous command and staff positions, including command of the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, which was crucial for preparing light infantry forces. During the Gulf War, he served as the Assistant Division Commander for Support of the 101st Airborne Division, participating in operations like the Battle of 73 Easting. Promoted to general, he commanded the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell and later served as the United States Army Vice Chief of Staff under Chief of Staff of the United States Army General Eric Shinseki. As the commander of United States Army Forces Command, he was instrumental in preparing United States Army Reserve and Army National Guard units for deployment following the September 11 attacks. He was a key advisor to Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Richard B. Myers during the planning for the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) and the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Post-military career

Upon retiring from active duty in 2003, Keane transitioned to a significant role in the private sector and as a commentator on national security. He joined the board of directors for major corporations like General Dynamics and MetLife, and served as a senior advisor at KKR & Co., a global investment firm. He became a frequent military analyst for Fox News and published strategic assessments in outlets like *The Wall Street Journal*. Keane is perhaps most widely recognized for his forceful advocacy, alongside scholars like Frederick W. Kagan, for the 2007 surge in Iraq, personally persuading President George W. Bush to adopt the new strategy. He has authored influential works on leadership and strategy, including the book *"Leadership"* with General Barry McCaffrey, and remains a sought-after speaker at institutions like the American Enterprise Institute and the Heritage Foundation.

Awards and decorations

General Keane's military honors include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Purple Heart. He has also been awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Master Parachutist Badge, the Ranger tab, and is a recipient of the Order of Saint Maurice. His foreign decorations include the French Legion of Honour and awards from the Republic of Vietnam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Republic of Korea.

Personal life

John Keane is married and maintains a residence in Alexandria, Virginia. He is known for his deep commitment to veteran advocacy, working closely with organizations such as the Gary Sinise Foundation and the Bob Woodruff Foundation. An avid reader of military history, he often cites the campaigns of General of the Army George C. Marshall and General Creighton Abrams as professional influences. He remains actively engaged in the national security dialogue through his work with think tanks in Washington, D.C..

Category:United States Army generals Category:American military personnel of the Vietnam War Category:American military personnel of the Gulf War Category:1943 births Category:Living people Category:People from New York City Category:Fordham University alumni