James R. Clapper US Director of National Intelligence Date of Birth: 14.03.1941 Country: USA

Biography of James Clapper

James R. Clapper Jr. was born in 1941 in Fairfax, Virginia, USA. He comes from a family with a background in intelligence, as his father, James R. Clapper Sr., served in the military during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Clapper Jr.'s mother, Anne Wheatley, was a homemaker.

After finishing high school, Clapper enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, but later transferred to the United States Air Force (USAF) to pursue a career as an officer. He graduated from the University of Maryland in 1963 with a bachelor's degree in political science. During his time in the USAF, Clapper received training in electronic intelligence at Goodfellow Air Force Base in Texas and served in various intelligence positions in the United States and South Vietnam.

In 1970, Clapper obtained a master's degree in political science from St. Mary's University in Texas. He continued his military career, commanding a reconnaissance unit based in Thailand during the Vietnam War. Clapper flew over 70 combat missions in Laos and Cambodia as a captain in the USAF. He earned promotions throughout his career, reaching the rank of colonel in 1980.

After serving in various intelligence roles, Clapper was appointed as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence in the United States Forces Korea from 1985 to 1987. He then became the Director of Intelligence for the Pacific Command and later served as the Deputy Director for Intelligence for the Strategic Air Command during Operation Desert Storm.

In 1991, Clapper was appointed as the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) and promoted to lieutenant general. He held this position until his retirement from military service in 1995. After retiring, Clapper worked in the private sector, holding executive positions in companies specializing in information technology. He also served as an advisor to Congress and the Departments of Defense and Energy, and was the Deputy Chairman of a special commission on US national security.

In 2001, Clapper was appointed as the Director of the National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA), which later became the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). He served in this role until 2006, overseeing the distribution of aerial and satellite imagery contracts. Clapper's tenure at the NGA was marked by his conflict with then-Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld over the agency's control.

In 2007, Clapper was nominated by President George W. Bush to serve as the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and the Director of National Intelligence. He retained these positions when President Barack Obama took office in 2009. In 2010, Clapper was nominated by President Obama to become the Director of National Intelligence, a position he held until 2017.

Throughout his career, Clapper received numerous awards and honors for his service, including honorary doctorates and military medals. He is married to Susan Clapper.

James Clapper is widely respected in the intelligence community and is often referred to as a "legend" in the field.