Joseph Votel

Joseph Votel is a retired United States Army general who served as the commander of United States Central Command (CENTCOM) from 2016 to 2019. He previously commanded United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), playing a pivotal role in shaping modern American special operations and counterterrorism strategy. His nearly four-decade career was defined by leadership in complex conflicts across the Greater Middle East, including the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), the Iraq War, and the campaign against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

Early life and education

Joseph Votel was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, and was raised in the nearby suburb of Cottage Grove. He attended the University of Minnesota through an Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) scholarship, graduating in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science degree and receiving his commission as a second lieutenant in the Infantry. He later earned a Master of Science in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. His early professional military education included the Infantry Officer Basic Course and the United States Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth.

Military career

Votel's initial assignments were with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg. He held various command and staff positions, including with the 10th Mountain Division and the 25th Infantry Division. His career trajectory shifted significantly into special operations, where he commanded the 75th Ranger Regiment. He later served as the Deputy Commanding General of the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC). In 2011, he assumed command of the Joint Special Operations Command, overseeing sensitive counterterrorism missions globally. Promoted to general in 2014, he took command of United States Special Operations Command at MacDill Air Force Base, where he focused on integrating special operations forces with conventional military efforts and allied partners. His final assignment was as the ninth commander of United States Central Command in 2016, where he led all U.S. military operations across the Middle East, including the coalition campaign Operation Inherent Resolve against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in Iraq and Syria.

Post-military career

Following his retirement from the United States Army in 2019, Votel transitioned to roles in the private sector and public policy analysis. He joined the board of directors for the non-profit Spirit of America, which supports the work of U.S. personnel and allies abroad. He also became a national security contributor for CNN, providing analysis on global conflicts and defense strategy. Votel serves as a distinguished senior fellow on national security at the Middle East Institute in Washington, D.C., and is a principal at the consulting firm The Cipher Brief. He frequently testifies before the United States Congress and participates in policy forums at institutions like the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Awards and decorations

General Votel's awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Army Distinguished Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, and the Defense Superior Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster. He has been awarded the Legion of Merit four times and the Bronze Star Medal twice. His service badges include the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Master Parachutist Badge, the Ranger tab, and the Special Forces tab. He is also a recipient of the Order of the Sword from the United States Air Force Air Command and Staff College.

Personal life

Joseph Votel is married and has two children. He maintains a residence in Tampa, Florida, near MacDill Air Force Base. An avid runner, he has completed multiple marathons. Since retirement, he has been active in veteran support organizations and frequently speaks on leadership and ethics at military institutions like the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Category:United States Army generals Category:American military personnel of the Iraq War Category:Recipients of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal Category:1958 births Category:Living people