Donald Rumsfeld American politician, US Secretary of Defense Date of Birth: 09.06.1932 Country: USA

1. Donald Rumsfeld
2. Early Career and Military Service
3. Congress and Executive Branch
4. Foreign and Defense Roles
5. Transition and Ministerial Roles
6. Private Sector, Foreign Advisory Roles
7. Corporate Leadership and National Security
8. Return to Government

Donald Rumsfeld

Donald Rumsfeld, an American politician and former U.S. Secretary of Defense, was born on 9th July 1932, in Chicago, Illinois. He earned his degree from Princeton University, New Jersey, graduating in 1954. Married to Joyce, he has three children and five grandchildren.

Early Career and Military Service

From 1954 to 1957, Rumsfeld served in the Naval Aviation, where he was discharged as a First Lieutenant. In 1958, he entered public service as an administrative assistant to Congressman David Dennison of Ohio.

Congress and Executive Branch

Between 1959 and 1962, Rumsfeld worked with Congressman Robert Griffin of Michigan. Later, from 1962 to 1968, he served in the U.S. House of Representatives for Illinois' 13th District, receiving considerable support from the Republican Party. In 1969, he became an Assistant to President Richard Nixon, heading the Office of Economic Opportunity.

Foreign and Defense Roles

Rumsfeld's tenure from 1970 to 1972 involved advising the President and directing the Cost of Living Council. Subsequently, from 1972 to 1974, he represented the U.S. in the NATO Council in Brussels, serving on the Nuclear Planning Group and Military Committee.

Transition and Ministerial Roles

In 1974, Rumsfeld led the transition team for Gerald Ford and then the White House staff. Simultaneously, he was on the Domestic Council, Rural Development Council, and Urban Affairs Council. From 1975 to 1977, he served as Secretary of Defense under President Ford.

Private Sector, Foreign Advisory Roles

From 1977 to 1985, Rumsfeld worked for pharmaceutical company Searle & Co. In 1983, he served as a special advisor to the President's Commission on Strategic Forces. He was also a special representative to the Middle East from 1983 to 1984. Additionally, in 1984, he joined the advisory board for the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency.

Corporate Leadership and National Security

In 1985, Rumsfeld returned to business, leading several major companies, serving on boards of directors, and joining the Board of Trustees for The RAND Corporation. From 1996 to 1998, he led a commission assessing ballistic missile capabilities, whose report provided the basis for the concept of National Missile Defense (NMD).

Return to Government

Rumsfeld consulted George W. Bush on NMD during the 2000 presidential campaign. In 2001, he was appointed Secretary of Defense, serving until 2006.