- US Deputy National Security Advisor (March 20, 1989 - November 6, 1991).
- US Secretary of Defense (2006-2011).
- The 2009 Commencement Speaker at the US Military Academy, West Point, NY.
- Recruited by the CIA in 1966. Had to leave briefly due to military obligations.
- Served in the US Air Force as a Second Lieutenant during the Vietnam War from 1967-69. He briefed air crews as an Intelligence officer.
- Deputy Director of the CIA (1986-1989).
- Director of the CIA (1991-1993).
- President of Texas A&M (2002-2006).
- One of a few cabinet secretaries to switch parties to continue to in under the same position.
- In 2008, then President-elect Barack Obama felt that Gates needed to continue in his post (Defense Secretary/Pentagon Chief) due to America's continuing crisis with war in the Middle East.
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content