# Ash Carter > 25th United States Secretary of Defense **Wikidata**: [Q4806029](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4806029) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ash_Carter) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ash-carter ## Summary Ash Carter is an American physicist and government official who served as the 25th United States Secretary of Defense from 2013 to 2017. He was a key figure in shaping U.S. defense policy during the Obama administration, overseeing military operations and strategic initiatives. His leadership was instrumental in modernizing military technology and addressing global security challenges. ## Biography - Born: September 24, 1954 - Nationality: United States - Education: B.S. from Yale College; M.Sc. and D.Phil. from University of Oxford; Ph.D. from St John's College, Oxford - Known for: Serving as U.S. Secretary of Defense and leading defense modernization efforts - Employer(s): U.S. Department of Defense, Harvard University, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Fermilab - Field(s): Physics, National Security, Defense Policy ## Contributions Ash Carter made significant contributions in defense policy, academic research, and scientific innovation. As U.S. Secretary of Defense, he oversaw the integration of advanced technologies into military operations and advocated for innovation in defense systems. At Harvard, he led the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, promoting interdisciplinary research in global security. His work bridged academic research and practical policy implementation, particularly in nuclear security and strategic defense initiatives. ## FAQs ### What is Ash Carter known for? Ash Carter is best known for serving as the 25th United States Secretary of Defense from 2013 to 2017. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing the Department of Defense and implementing strategic reforms in military policy and technology. ### What are Ash Carter's academic and professional affiliations? Ash Carter was educated at Yale College, where he earned a B.S., and later studied at the University of Oxford, earning both a Master of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy. He was also affiliated with Harvard University, where he led the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. Additionally, he worked with institutions such as Brookhaven National Laboratory and Fermilab in scientific research capacities. ### What were Ash Carter's major accomplishments as Secretary of Defense? As Secretary of Defense, Carter led efforts to modernize the U.S. military, including initiatives in cybersecurity, space defense, and nuclear policy. He also prioritized innovation in defense technologies and global strategic engagement. ### What awards and honors did Ash Carter receive? Ash Carter was awarded the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, the Joseph A. Burton Forum Award, and was named a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. ### What scientific or academic contributions did Ash Carter make? Before entering public service, Carter was a physicist affiliated with institutions like Fermilab and Brookhaven National Laboratory. He conducted research in high-energy physics and contributed to scientific computing through software development and theoretical work. ## Why They Matter Ash Carter's influence spans national defense, academic research, and scientific innovation. As U.S. Secretary of Defense, he played a pivotal role in shaping modern military strategy, particularly in integrating advanced technologies into defense systems. His work at Harvard and in scientific institutions like Fermilab and Brookhaven National Laboratory also advanced interdisciplinary research in global security and physics. His leadership has left a lasting impact on U.S. defense policy and scientific collaboration. ## Notable For - Serving as the 25th United States Secretary of Defense (2013–2017) - Leading the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard University - Advancing defense technology and innovation, including cybersecurity and space defense - Conducting research in high-energy physics at institutions like Fermilab and Brookhaven National Laboratory - Receiving the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun and the Joseph A. Burton Forum Award - Being a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences - Advocating for science-based defense policy and international collaboration ## Body ### Early Life and Education Ash Carter was born on September 24, 1954. He pursued undergraduate studies at Yale College, earning a B.S. He then attended the University of Oxford, where he was a Rhodes Scholar, studying at St John's College. He earned a Master of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy in physics, focusing on theoretical high-energy physics. ### Career in Defense and Public Service Carter served in various capacities within the U.S. Department of Defense, culminating in his appointment as the 25th United States Secretary of Defense under President Barack Obama. He was instrumental in shaping defense policy, particularly in the areas of cybersecurity, nuclear strategy, and space defense. His tenure emphasized innovation and modernization of military capabilities. ### Scientific and Academic Contributions Before his government service, Carter was involved in scientific research. He worked with Fermilab and Brookhaven National Laboratory, contributing to high-energy physics and scientific computing. At Harvard University, he led the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, focusing on interdisciplinary research in global security and defense policy. ### Leadership and Innovation Carter was a proponent of integrating advanced technologies into defense strategies. He championed initiatives in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and space-based defense systems. His leadership helped position the U.S. military at the forefront of technological adaptation. ### Awards and Recognition Carter received numerous honors, including the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, recognition as a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the Joseph A. Burton Forum Award for contributions to physics and policy. He was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his service and leadership. ### Legacy and Influence Carter's work bridged the gap between academic research and practical defense policy. His efforts in modernizing military strategy and promoting science-based policy decisions have had a lasting impact on national and global security. His influence continues through the institutions he led and the policies he shaped during his tenure. ## References 1. Rhodes Scholar Database 2. [Source](https://www.aps.org/programs/honors/prizes/burton.cfm) 3. [Source](https://www.belfercenter.org/publication/ash-carter-receives-japans-order-rising-sun-award) 4. [Source](https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/01/04/president-biden-announces-recipients-of-the-presidential-medal-of-freedom-3/) 5. International Standard Name Identifier 6. Virtual International Authority File 7. CiNii Research 8. Encyclopædia Britannica Online 9. Munzinger Personen 10. [Ashton Carter, defense secretary under Obama, dies at 68. 2022](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ashton-carter-dies-age-68-obama-defense-secretary/) 11. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 12. Davos 2018 Participant List 13. BBC Things 14. Quora 15. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/ash-carter-107a97YYSb/appearances)