Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Mark Milley

How Mark Milley built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Mark Alexander Milley is a retired United States Army general. He served as the 20th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2019 to 2023. Prior to that role, he was the 39th chief of staff of the Army from 2015 to 2019. Throughout his career, Milley held various command and staff positions within eight divisions and special forces, marking a long and distinguished military career.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1980: Commission as Armor Officer

In 1980, Mark Milley earned his commission as an armor officer after graduating from Princeton University's Reserve Officers' Training Corps program.

1996: Command in South Korea

From 1996 to 1998, Mark Milley commanded 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry, 2nd Infantry Division, in South Korea.

1998: Command in South Korea

From 1996 to 1998, Mark Milley commanded 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry, 2nd Infantry Division, in South Korea.

December 2003: Command of 2nd Brigade Combat Team

From December 2003 to July 2005, Mark Milley commanded 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light).

July 2005: Command of 2nd Brigade Combat Team

From December 2003 to July 2005, Mark Milley commanded 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light).

July 2007: Deputy Commanding General

From July 2007 to April 2008, Mark Milley served as deputy commanding general for operations of the 101st Airborne Division.

April 2008: Deputy Commanding General

From July 2007 to April 2008, Mark Milley served as deputy commanding general for operations of the 101st Airborne Division.

November 2011: Commanding General of the 10th Mountain Division

From November 2011 to December 2012, Mark Milley served as commanding general of the 10th Mountain Division.

December 2012: Commanding General of the 10th Mountain Division and III Corps Command

In December 2012, Mark Milley's tenure as commanding general of the 10th Mountain Division ended. From December 2012 to August 2014, Milley commanded III Corps, based at Fort Hood, Texas.

May 2013: Commander of International Security Assistance Force Joint Command

From May 2013 to February 2014, Mark Milley concurrently commanded the International Security Assistance Force Joint Command.

February 2014: Commander of International Security Assistance Force Joint Command

From May 2013 to February 2014, Mark Milley concurrently commanded the International Security Assistance Force Joint Command.

August 2014: Commanding General of the United States Army Forces Command

From August 2014 to August 2015, Mark Milley served as the commanding general of the United States Army Forces Command at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

August 14, 2015: Appointment as Chief of Staff of the Army

On August 14, 2015, Mark Milley became the 39th chief of staff of the Army.

August 2015: End of Tenure as Commanding General of the United States Army Forces Command

In August 2015, Mark Milley's tenure as the commanding general of the United States Army Forces Command at Fort Bragg, North Carolina came to an end.

February 2017: Establishment of Security Force Assistance Brigades

In February 2017, the Army announced the establishment of Security Force Assistance Brigades (SFABs) in Fort Benning, permanent units with a core mission to conduct security cooperation activities and serve as a quick response to combatant commander requirements.

2017: Reestablishment of Meetings Between American and Russian Military Chiefs

In 2017, Joseph Dunford reestablished a series of meetings between the American and Russian military chiefs to ensure open communication and reduce the risks in conflict areas.

2017: Focus on Army Modernization

In 2017, Mark Milley focused on modernization efforts for the Army, including a new command to consolidate methods for delivering Army capabilities. He described areas targeted for modernization at the Association of the United States Army annual meeting, including tanks, aircraft and weapons, shifting to a SOCOM-like model of buy, try, decide and acquire.

2017: Consideration of "Pinks and Greens" Uniform

In early 2017, Mark Milley and then-Sergeant Major of the Army Daniel A. Dailey began considering bringing back the "Pinks and Greens" uniform to honor the "greatest generation" of soldiers.

November 11, 2018: Announcement of New Army Uniform

On November 11, 2018, the Army officially announced the roll out of the new "everyday business-wear uniform", indicating it would be cost-neutral for enlisted soldiers.

November 2018: Approval of "Pinks and Greens" Uniform Return

In November 2018, Secretary of the Army Esper approved the return of the iconic "pinks and greens" uniform, working with Mark Milley and Dailey on the initiative.

December 8, 2018: Nomination as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

On December 8, 2018, President Trump announced his nomination of Mark Milley to serve as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

2018: Establishment of Army Futures Command

In 2018, Secretary of the Army Mark Esper and Mark Milley established Army Futures Command in Austin, Texas, to leverage academic and industrial expertise and conduct research furthering Army modernization priorities.

2018: Army Combat Fitness Test Roll Out

In 2018, Secretary of the Army Mark Esper and Mark Milley led the roll out of a new Army Combat Fitness Test designed to improve combat readiness.

May 2019: Commissioning of Climate Change Report

In May 2019, Mark Milley commissioned a U.S. Army War College report on the impact of climate change on society and the U.S. military.

July 2019: Confirmation by the Senate

In July 2019, Mark Milley was confirmed by the Senate as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

August 9, 2019: End of Term as Chief of Staff

On August 9, 2019, Mark Milley's tenure as the 39th Chief of Staff of the Army ended.

August 2019: Release of Climate Change Report

In August 2019, the U.S. Army War College released a report commissioned by Mark Milley, outlining the potential impacts of climate change on society and the U.S. military.

September 30, 2019: Start of Tenure as Chairman

From September 30, 2019, to September 30, 2023, Mark Milley was the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

October 1, 2019: Milley Becomes Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

On October 1, 2019, Mark Milley became the 20th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

December 16, 2019: Attendance at Battle of the Bulge Commemorations

On December 16, 2019, Mark Milley attended the 75th anniversary commemorations of the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium.

October 2020: Scheduled Replacement of Army Fitness Test

The new Army Combat Fitness Test, designed to improve combat readiness, was set to replace the 40-year-old Army fitness test by October 2020.

September 29, 2023: Milley Relinquishes Office

On September 29, 2023, Milley ceremonially relinquished his office as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to General Charles Q. Brown Jr.

September 30, 2023: End of Term as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

On September 30, 2023, Mark Milley's tenure as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff ended.

February 2024: Milley Joins Georgetown and Princeton

In February 2024, Milley joined the faculties of Georgetown University and Princeton University, as well as becoming a senior adviser to JPMorgan Chase bank and joining the Harry Walker Agency.

June 2025: End of Princeton Appointment

Milley's appointment as the Charles and Marie Robertson visiting professor and lecturer at Princeton School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) is scheduled to end in June 2025.