Early Life and Education of Tom Cotton: A Complete Timeline

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Tom Cotton

An overview of the childhood and early education of Tom Cotton, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Tom Cotton is an American politician and Army veteran currently serving as the junior United States Senator from Arkansas since 2015. A Republican, he holds the position of Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference and is the third-ranking Senate Republican. He also leads the Senate Intelligence Committee, demonstrating his influence and involvement in national security matters.

May 13, 1977: Tom Cotton's Birth

On May 13, 1977, Thomas Bryant Cotton was born. He is an American politician and Army veteran who has been serving as the junior United States senator from Arkansas since 2015.

1995: Accepted to Harvard College

In 1995, Tom Cotton was accepted to Harvard College after graduating from high school. He majored in government and joined the editorial board of The Harvard Crimson.

1998: Graduated from Harvard College

In 1998, Tom Cotton graduated from Harvard College with an A.B. magna cum laude after three years of study. His senior thesis focused on The Federalist Papers.

1998: Wrote Article in The Harvard Crimson

In 1998, Tom Cotton wrote an article in "The Harvard Crimson" in which he questioned the internet's value as a teaching tool in the classroom. This article was later criticized in September 2011.

1998: Accepted into Master's Program

In 1998, after graduating from Harvard College, Tom Cotton was accepted into a master's program at Claremont Graduate University.

1999: Enrolled at Harvard Law School

In 1999, Tom Cotton left the master's program at Claremont Graduate University and enrolled at Harvard Law School.

2002: Graduated from Harvard Law School

In 2002, Tom Cotton graduated from Harvard Law School with his Juris Doctor.

January 11, 2005: Enlistment in the United States Army

On January 11, 2005, Tom Cotton enlisted in the United States Army.

March 2005: Entry into Officer Candidate School

In March 2005, Tom Cotton entered Officer Candidate School (OCS) in the U.S. Army.

2005: Cotton Enlists in the U.S. Army

In 2005, after working as a law clerk and in private practice, Tom Cotton enlisted in the U.S. Army.

May 2006: Deployment to Baghdad

In May 2006, Tom Cotton was deployed to Baghdad as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) as a platoon leader with the 101st Airborne Division.

October 2008: Deployment to Afghanistan

In October 2008, Tom Cotton was deployed to eastern Afghanistan as the operations officer of a Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT).

July 2009: End of Afghanistan Deployment

In July 2009, Tom Cotton's deployment to eastern Afghanistan concluded.

September 2009: Honorable Discharge from the Army

In September 2009, Tom Cotton was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army after completing two combat deployments overseas.

July 2010: Enters Army Reserve

In July 2010, Cotton entered the Army Reserve (USAR).

May 2013: Discharge from Army Reserve

In May 2013, Cotton was discharged from the Army Reserve.

2014: Marriage to Anna Peckham

In 2014, Tom Cotton married attorney Anna Peckham.