Tulsi Gabbard's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Tulsi Gabbard.

Tulsi Gabbard is an American politician and military officer, currently serving as the Director of National Intelligence since 2025. A Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve since 2021, she formerly represented Hawaii's 2nd congressional district (2013-2021). Gabbard's political affiliations have shifted over time, beginning as a Democrat, becoming an Independent in 2022, and later joining the Republican Party in 2024. She was also the youngest state legislator in Hawaii from 2002 to 2004.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

2005: Service in Iraq

From 2004 to 2005, Tulsi Gabbard served in Iraq as a specialist with a medical unit and received the Combat Medical Badge.

2005: Received Combat Medical Badge

In 2005, Tulsi Gabbard received a Combat Medical Badge for participation in combat operations under enemy hostile fire in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III.

March 2007: Graduated from Accelerated Officer Candidate School

In March 2007, Tulsi Gabbard graduated from the Accelerated Officer Candidate School at the Alabama Military Academy at the top of her class.

March 20, 2014: Elle Magazine Honors Gabbard in "Women in Washington Power List"

On March 20, 2014, Elle magazine honored Tulsi Gabbard and others at the Italian Embassy in the United States during its annual "Women in Washington Power List".

February 26, 2015: Gabbard receives National Association of Counties County Alumni Award

On February 26, 2015, Tulsi Gabbard received the National Association of Counties County Alumni Award for her "steadfast commitment to the nation's counties".

July 15, 2015: Gabbard receives Friend of the National Parks Award

On July 15, 2015, Tulsi Gabbard received the Friend of the National Parks Award from the National Parks Conservation Association.

October 12, 2015: Promoted to Major

On October 12, 2015, Tulsi Gabbard was promoted from the rank of captain to major at a ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.

December 20, 2019: Stop Arming Terrorists Act becomes law

On December 20, 2019, the Stop Arming Terrorists Act that Tulsi Gabbard introduced in 2017 became law, prohibiting the Department of Defense from knowingly providing support to Al Qaeda or other terrorist groups.

March 3, 2020: Earning delegates in American Samoa

On March 3, 2020, Tulsi Gabbard earned two delegates in American Samoa, making her the second woman of color and the first Asian-American and Pacific-Islander presidential candidate to earn primary delegates.

November 2020: Jennifer Smith's reinstatement

In November 2020, Jennifer Smith was reinstated in her position, after Tulsi Gabbard's advocacy.

July 4, 2021: Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel

On July 4, 2021, Tulsi Gabbard was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel, while she was deployed to the Horn of Africa working as a civil affairs officer in support of a special operations mission.

2021: Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel

In 2021, Tulsi Gabbard was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve.

June 20, 2024: Second Amendment Institute Awards Champion's Award to Gabbard

On June 20, 2024, the Second Amendment Institute awarded the Champion's Award to Tulsi Gabbard at the Second Amendment Institute’s Annual Champion Ceremony in Washington, DC.

February 12, 2025: Sworn in as Director of National Intelligence

On February 12, 2025, Tulsi Gabbard was sworn in as the 8th director of national intelligence, becoming the first female military combat veteran, first Pacific Islander American, and first Hindu American to hold a Cabinet-level position.