Richard M. Mills Jr.

Richard M. Mills Jr. is a retired United States Marine Corps general who served as the Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies, and Operations. His career spanned over four decades, including significant command roles during the War in Afghanistan and the Iraq War. Mills culminated his service as the commander of United States Marine Corps Forces Command and United States Marine Corps Forces, Europe. He is recognized for his strategic leadership within the United States Department of Defense and his subsequent contributions to national security in the private sector.

Early life and education

Richard M. Mills Jr. was born in New York City and grew up in the surrounding region. He pursued his higher education at Villanova University, where he graduated and received his commission as a second lieutenant in 1974. His early military education included completion of the Infantry Officer Course at Quantico and he later attended the Marine Corps Command and Staff College. Mills furthered his academic credentials by earning a master's degree from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.

Military career

Commissioned into the Marine Corps, Mills' initial assignments included infantry and reconnaissance roles. He served with the 1st Marine Division during the Gulf War. Following promotion to general officer ranks, he commanded the 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade and later served as the Deputy Commanding General of I Marine Expeditionary Force. In 2010, Mills assumed command of the International Security Assistance Force in Regional Command Southwest in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, leading NATO and United States forces during a critical period of the War in Afghanistan. Subsequent senior posts included commanding II Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Lejeune and serving as the commander of United States Marine Corps Forces, Central Command in Tampa, Florida.

Post-military career

Upon retirement from the Marine Corps in 2015, Mills transitioned to the private sector, focusing on defense and cybersecurity consulting. He joined the board of directors for several technology firms specializing in government contracts, including positions at CACI International and ManTech International. Mills also serves as a senior advisor to the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C., contributing to studies on modern warfare and Pentagon innovation. He is a frequent commentator on national security issues for networks like CNN and the BBC.

Personal life

Mills is married and maintains a residence in Northern Virginia. He is an active member of the Marine Corps Association and supports various veterans' charities, including the Semper Fi Fund and the Wounded Warrior Project. In his private time, he is an avid historian, with a particular interest in the American Civil War and the Korean War.

Awards and decorations

General Mills' personal awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, and the Defense Superior Service Medal. He has also been awarded the Legion of Merit with combat "V", the Bronze Star Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon. His service medals include the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. Mills is authorized to wear the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge and the Marine Corps Staff Non-Commissioned Officer Academy Diploma.

Category:United States Marine Corps generals Category:American military personnel of the Iraq War Category:American military personnel of the War in Afghanistan Category:Villanova University alumni Category:Recipients of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal Category:1955 births Category:Living people