Mark Esper

Mark Esper is a former United States Secretary of Defense who served under President Donald Trump from July 2019 to November 2020. Prior to his appointment, Esper served as the United States Secretary of the Army from 2017 to 2019, overseeing the United States Army and working closely with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, including General Joseph Dunford and General Mark Milley. Esper's career has been marked by his experience in the United States Army, where he served in the 101st Airborne Division and later worked as a staff officer in the Pentagon. He has also worked with various organizations, including the Heritage Foundation and the National Defense Industrial Association.

● Early Life and Education

Mark Esper was born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, and grew up in Laurel Highlands, near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Laurel Highlands High School and later attended West Point, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Management. Esper also holds a Master of Public Administration degree from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government and a Ph.D. in Public Policy from George Washington University. During his time at West Point, Esper was influenced by notable figures such as General Norman Schwarzkopf Jr. and General Colin Powell, who later became United States Secretary of State.

● Military Career

Esper's military career spanned over two decades, during which he served in various roles, including as a United States Army officer in the 101st Airborne Division and later as a staff officer in the Pentagon. He was deployed to Saudi Arabia and Iraq during the Gulf War and later served in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, working under Secretary of Defense William Cohen and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. Esper's experience in the military was shaped by events such as the Battle of Mogadishu and the Invasion of Iraq, and he worked closely with other notable military leaders, including General David Petraeus and General Stanley McChrystal.

● Secretary of Defense

As United States Secretary of Defense, Esper played a key role in shaping the country's defense policy, working closely with the National Security Council and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He was involved in various international efforts, including the NATO alliance and the Quad dialogue with Australia, India, and Japan. Esper also oversaw the development of the National Defense Strategy, which emphasized the need for the United States to compete with China and Russia in areas such as Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity. During his tenure, Esper worked with other notable figures, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and National Security Adviser John Bolton.

● Later Career and Activities

After leaving office, Esper has remained involved in defense and national security issues, working as a consultant and advisor to various organizations, including the Center for Strategic and International Studies and the Atlantic Council. He has also written articles and op-eds for publications such as The New York Times and Foreign Affairs, and has spoken at events hosted by organizations such as the Brookings Institution and the Council on Foreign Relations. Esper has also been involved in various initiatives, including the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence, which was established by Congress to examine the implications of Artificial Intelligence for national security.

● Personal Life

Esper is married to Leigh Esper, and they have three children together. He is a resident of Virginia and is involved in various charitable organizations, including the USO and the Wounded Warrior Project. Esper has received various awards and honors for his service, including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal and the Legion of Merit. He has also been recognized by organizations such as the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and has spoken at events hosted by the National Rifle Association and the Conservative Political Action Conference.