General Joseph Dunford Jr.

General Joseph Dunford Jr.
Name	Joseph Dunford Jr.
Birth date	January 16, 1955
Birth place	Boston, Massachusetts
Allegiance	United States
Branch	United States Marine Corps
Serviceyears	1977–2019
Rank	General
Commands	United States Marine Corps Forces Command, II Marine Expeditionary Force, 5th Marine Regiment, III Marine Expeditionary Force

General Joseph Dunford Jr. is a retired four-star general of the United States Marine Corps who served as the 36th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2015 to 2019. A veteran of multiple operational commands, staff assignments, and international coalitions, he held senior roles that interfaced with NATO, the United Nations, and allied militaries during campaigns in Iraq War, Afghanistan, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Dunford is noted for his work on counterinsurgency, interagency coordination, and civil-military relations involving institutions such as the Department of Defense, Department of State, and NATO Allied Command Operations.

Early life and education

Dunford was born in Boston, Massachusetts and raised in Marblehead, Massachusetts. He graduated from Saint Michael's College with a Bachelor of Arts, attended Marine Corps University, and completed graduate degrees at Harvard Kennedy School and Army War College. His military education included the United States Army Command and General Staff College and the School of Advanced Military Studies, linking him to professional networks such as the Naval War College and the Joint Special Operations University.

Military career

Dunford was commissioned via the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps and served in infantry units including the 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, and II Marine Expeditionary Force. He commanded at platoon, company, battalion, regimental, and expeditionary force levels, including command of the 5th Marine Regiment and leadership roles within III Marine Expeditionary Force. Staff assignments involved the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Staff, and the United States European Command. He participated in operations and planning related to Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Provide Comfort, Operation Restore Hope, and engagements tied to the Global War on Terrorism. Dunford worked alongside commanders from United States Central Command, United States Northern Command, United States Southern Command, and allies from United Kingdom Armed Forces, Canadian Armed Forces, Australian Defence Force, and NATO partners such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and Turkey.

Commander, International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces–Afghanistan

In 2013–2014 Dunford served as Commander, International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces–Afghanistan, leading multinational efforts that included contributions from ISAF allies and partner nations such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Japan, South Korea, and the Nordic countries. His tenure coincided with transitions outlined in policy guidance from the White House, directives from the Department of Defense, and strategic consultations with NATO Secretary General. Dunford's command navigated challenges including the Afghan presidential election, negotiations with the Taliban, coordination with the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police, and planning for the drawdown and transfer of security responsibilities under agreements like the Bilateral Security Agreement (2014).

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Nominated by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the United States Senate, Dunford became Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 2015, succeeding Martin Dempsey. As chairman he served as principal military advisor to Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump, the National Security Council, and the Secretary of Defense including Ashton Carter and James Mattis. His chairmanship addressed crises involving Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, operations in Syria, maritime security in the South China Sea, relations with People's Republic of China, deterrence posture toward the Russian Federation following actions in Crimea, and NATO defense planning under the Article 5 framework. Dunford engaged with legislative bodies including the United States Congress on budgets like the National Defense Authorization Act and on force posture issues related to U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

Post-military career and public roles

After retirement, Dunford assumed roles with institutions including think tanks, advisory boards, and educational organizations such as Brookings Institution, Center for Strategic and International Studies, Harvard Kennedy School, and corporate boards tied to defense industry firms like Lockheed Martin and Boeing. He has participated in dialogues with international leaders from Japan, South Korea, NATO, and European Union officials, joined commissions on defense reform, and contributed to discussions about cybersecurity involving entities like United States Cyber Command and private sector partners such as Microsoft and Palantir Technologies.

Awards and decorations

Dunford's honors include high-level U.S. awards and international recognitions: Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, and decorations from allied nations such as the Order of Australia, awards from France and Germany, and NATO medals for service in multinational operations. He has also received honorary degrees from institutions including Saint Michael's College and engagement awards from veteran organizations such as the Vietnam Veterans of America and the USO.

Category:Living people Category:United States Marine Corps generals Category:Saint Michael's College alumni Category:Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff