# Mark T. Esper

> 27th United States Secretary of Defense (2017-2020)

**Wikidata**: [Q33190271](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q33190271)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Esper)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mark-t-esper

## Summary

Mark T. Esper was born on April 26, 1964, in Uniontown.[1][2][3] He has worked as a lobbyist and military officer.He attended Laurel Highlands High School and studied at the United States Military Academy, George Washington University, and the John F. Kennedy School of Government. His awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, and Kuwait Liberation Medal.He served as United States Secretary of the Army from 2017 to 2019 and as United States Secretary of Defense from 2019 to 2020.[4][5][6][7]

## Summary
Mark T. Esper is an American military officer, lobbyist, and politician who served as the 27th United States Secretary of Defense from 2019 to 2020. He is best known for his leadership during the Persian Gulf crisis (2019–2020) and his prior roles in the U.S. Army, government, and defense industry.

## Biography
- **Born**: April 26, 1964
- **Nationality**: United States
- **Education**:
  - United States Military Academy (West Point)
  - Harvard University (John F. Kennedy School of Government)
  - George Washington University
- **Known for**: Serving as U.S. Secretary of Defense (2019–2020) and leading the Department of Defense during heightened tensions with Iran.
- **Employer(s)**:
  - United States Army (military officer)
  - RTX Corporation (defense industry)
  - The Heritage Foundation (conservative think tank)
  - Aerospace Industries Association (trade association)
  - United States Chamber of Commerce (business organization)
  - First Cabinet of Donald Trump (Secretary of Defense)
- **Field(s)**: Military, defense policy, government, lobbying

## Contributions
- **Military Service**: Served as a military officer in the United States Army, including during the Gulf War (1990–1991).
- **Government Leadership**: Appointed as the 27th U.S. Secretary of Defense (2019–2020), overseeing defense policy during the Persian Gulf crisis (2019–2020).
- **Defense Industry**: Worked with RTX Corporation (formerly Raytheon Technologies), a major aerospace and defense conglomerate.
- **Policy Influence**: Affiliated with The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, shaping defense and national security policies.
- **Awards**: Recipient of military honors, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, and Kuwait Liberation Medals (from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia).

## FAQs
**What was Mark T. Esper’s role in the U.S. government?**
Mark T. Esper served as the 27th U.S. Secretary of Defense from 2019 to 2020, leading the Department of Defense during a period of heightened military tensions, including the Persian Gulf crisis (2019–2020).

**Where did Mark T. Esper receive his education?**
He graduated from the United States Military Academy (West Point), Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, and George Washington University.

**What military awards has Mark T. Esper received?**
He was awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, and Kuwait Liberation Medals (from both Kuwait and Saudi Arabia) for his service during the Gulf War.

**What organizations has Mark T. Esper been affiliated with?**
He has worked with RTX Corporation, The Heritage Foundation, the Aerospace Industries Association, the United States Chamber of Commerce, and served in the first cabinet of Donald Trump.

**What is Mark T. Esper’s connection to the defense industry?**
He was affiliated with RTX Corporation (formerly Raytheon Technologies), a leading aerospace and defense conglomerate, contributing to defense and aerospace technologies.

## Why They Matter
Mark T. Esper played a critical role in U.S. national security as Secretary of Defense during a volatile geopolitical period, including the Persian Gulf crisis. His military background, policy expertise, and industry connections shaped defense strategies and influenced key decisions in U.S. foreign and military policy. His leadership during this time impacted U.S. defense posture and international relations, particularly with Iran.

## Notable For
- Serving as the 27th U.S. Secretary of Defense (2019–2020).
- Leading the Department of Defense during the Persian Gulf crisis (2019–2020).
- Receiving military honors, including the Legion of Merit and Bronze Star Medal.
- Being affiliated with major defense and policy organizations, including RTX Corporation and The Heritage Foundation.
- Graduating from prestigious institutions such as West Point and Harvard University.
- Serving in the U.S. Army during the Gulf War (1990–1991).

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Mark T. Esper was born on April 26, 1964. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he trained as a military officer. He later earned advanced degrees from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and George Washington University, equipping him with expertise in public policy and national security.

### Military Career
Esper served as an officer in the United States Army, including during the Gulf War (1990–1991). His military service earned him several decorations, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, and Kuwait Liberation Medals from both Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. These honors reflect his contributions to U.S. military operations in the Middle East.

### Government and Policy Roles
Esper’s career in government culminated in his appointment as the 27th U.S. Secretary of Defense (2019–2020). In this role, he led the Department of Defense during the Persian Gulf crisis (2019–2020), a period marked by escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran. His leadership was pivotal in shaping U.S. defense policy and military strategy during this time.

### Defense Industry and Lobbying
After his military service, Esper worked in the defense industry, including with RTX Corporation (formerly Raytheon Technologies), a major aerospace and defense conglomerate. His roles in the private sector involved advocacy and policy influence, particularly through affiliations with The Heritage Foundation, the Aerospace Industries Association, and the United States Chamber of Commerce.

### Affiliations and Influence
Esper’s connections extend to prominent organizations in defense, policy, and business. He was part of the first cabinet of Donald Trump and has been associated with think tanks and trade groups that shape U.S. defense and economic policies. His work with these organizations has contributed to discussions on national security, military readiness, and defense industry priorities.

### Legacy and Impact
Mark T. Esper’s tenure as Secretary of Defense and his broader career in military, government, and industry have left a lasting mark on U.S. defense policy. His leadership during critical geopolitical moments, combined with his military experience and policy expertise, positions him as a significant figure in modern U.S. national security. His contributions continue to influence defense strategies and industry practices.

## References

1. [Trump nominating Uniontown native for Army secretary. 2017](https://www.heraldstandard.com/news/local_news/trump-nominating-uniontown-native-for-army-secretary/article_687d6178-43a7-51fd-bd32-95b1ea5efe4a.html)
2. [Esper sworn in as Pentagon chief to succeed Mattis. 2019](http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0005893467)
3. [ترامب يقيل وزير الدفاع مارك إسبر. Al Bayan. 2020](https://www.albayan.ae/one-world/overseas/2020-11-09-1.4009047)
4. [Trump fires Secretary of Defense Mark Esper. 2020](https://edition.cnn.com/2020/11/09/politics/trump-fires-esper/index.html)
5. [Source](https://edition.cnn.com/2020/11/10/politics/pentagon-policy-official-resigns/index.html)
6. [Secretary of the Army: Who Is Mark Esper?. 2017](http://www.allgov.com/news/top-stories/secretary-of-the-army-who-is-mark-esper-170817?news=860279)
7. GeneaStar
8. Google Knowledge Graph
9. [Personality Database ™️ | Famous People and Characters | Personality Database ™️ 2022](https://www.personality-database.com/profile/507255/mark-esper-governmentusa-mbti-personality-type)