Robert Gates

Robert Gates
Official portrait, 2006
Robert Gates
Born	Robert Michael Gates 25 9, 1943
Birthplace	Wichita, Kansas, U.S.
Nationality	American
Occupation	Intelligence analyst, government official, university administrator
Known for	22nd U.S. Secretary of Defense, 15th Director of Central Intelligence
Education	Georgetown University (PhD)
Children	2
Awards	Presidential Medal of Freedom

Robert Michael Gates (born September 25, 1943) is an American intelligence analyst, government official, and university administrator whose career has spanned more than four decades of public service at the highest levels of the United States government. He served as the 22nd United States Secretary of Defense from 2006 to 2011, becoming the only defense secretary in American history to be asked to remain in that office by a newly elected president of a different political party, when President Barack Obama requested that he continue in the role following the transition from the George W. Bush administration. Prior to his service as defense secretary, Gates served as the 15th Director of Central Intelligence from 1991 to 1993 under President George H. W. Bush, capping a twenty-six-year career at the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Council. Gates also served as the 22nd president of Texas A&M University from 2002 to 2006 and has served as the 24th chancellor of the College of William & Mary since 2012. In recognition of his service, Gates received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award, presented by President Obama during his retirement ceremony in 2011.

Early Life

Robert Michael Gates was born on September 25, 1943, in Wichita, Kansas. He grew up in a modest Kansas household. Gates has described his path into public service as unplanned, with his career trajectory shaped more by opportunity and circumstance than by early ambition.

Gates attended the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1965. His undergraduate years at William & Mary would forge a lifelong connection to the institution, one that Gates would maintain throughout his career and eventually formalize through his service as chancellor decades later.

After completing his undergraduate education, Gates entered the United States Air Force, where he served as an officer from 1967 to 1969, holding the rank of first lieutenant. His military service was relatively brief, as he was soon recruited by the Central Intelligence Agency, beginning a career in intelligence and national security that would define much of his professional life.

Education

Gates earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of William & Mary in 1965. He subsequently earned a Master of Arts degree from Indiana University Bloomington. Gates then pursued doctoral studies at Georgetown University, where he received a PhD. His doctoral dissertation focused on Soviet studies, reflecting the Cold War–era emphasis on understanding the Soviet Union that would permeate much of his intelligence career. A scholarly article he produced during this period, "Soviet Sinology: An Untapped Source for Kremlin Views and Disputes Relating to Contemporary Events in China," examined Soviet academic analysis of China as a lens for understanding Kremlin policy deliberations.

Gates also received an honorary degree (L.H.D.) from the College of William & Mary in 1998, and an honorary degree from the University of Oklahoma.

Career

Central Intelligence Agency (1966–1993)

Gates began his career at the Central Intelligence Agency after being recruited shortly following his military service in the Air Force. Over the course of twenty-six years, he rose through the ranks of the CIA and served in various capacities within the intelligence community and on the National Security Council.

During the Reagan administration, Gates served as the 16th Deputy Director of Central Intelligence from April 18, 1986, to March 20, 1989, serving under Director William J. Casey and subsequently under Director William H. Webster. Following Casey's incapacitation due to a brain tumor, Gates served as Acting Director of Central Intelligence from December 18, 1986, to May 26, 1987, providing continuity of leadership at the agency during a turbulent period that coincided with the Iran–Contra affair.

Under President George H. W. Bush, Gates initially served as the 17th Deputy National Security Advisor from March 20, 1989, to November 6, 1991. In this role, he worked closely with National Security Advisor Brent Scowcroft during a period of extraordinary geopolitical transformation, including the fall of the Berlin Wall, the collapse of communist governments across Eastern Europe, and the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

On November 6, 1991, Gates was confirmed as the 15th Director of Central Intelligence, succeeding William H. Webster. He served in this capacity until January 20, 1993, the end of the George H. W. Bush administration. As Director of Central Intelligence, Gates oversaw the CIA during the final stages of the Cold War and the immediate post–Cold War period, a time that required fundamental reassessment of the agency's mission and priorities in a rapidly changing global environment. His deputy directors during this period included Richard James Kerr and William O. Studeman.

Post-CIA Career and Corporate Boards

After leaving the CIA in January 1993, Gates transitioned to the private sector and served on several corporate boards. He remained engaged in public policy discussions and foreign affairs analysis during this period.

President of Texas A&M University (2002–2006)

On August 1, 2002, Gates became the 22nd president of Texas A&M University, succeeding Ray M. Bowen. His tenure at the university was marked by his engagement with the distinctive traditions and culture of the institution. Gates participated actively in campus life, including the university's storied Aggie Muster tradition.

During his presidency, Gates delivered speeches addressing the role of higher education and the responsibilities of university leadership. A 2005 address reflected on the challenges facing major research universities and their role in American society. He also maintained engagement with the university's athletic programs during his tenure.

Gates served as president of Texas A&M until December 16, 2006, when he departed to assume the role of Secretary of Defense. He was succeeded in an acting capacity by Ed Davis. His connection to the university has remained strong in subsequent years; in February 2026, Gates returned to the Texas A&M campus to speak at a conference on national affairs.

Iraq Study Group

Prior to his appointment as Secretary of Defense, Gates served as a member of the Iraq Study Group, the bipartisan commission co-chaired by former Secretary of State James A. Baker III and former U.S. Representative Lee H. Hamilton. The commission was tasked with providing a comprehensive assessment of the situation in Iraq and making policy recommendations regarding the Iraq War. Gates's participation in the group reflected his continued engagement with national security issues and positioned him as a figure seen as capable of offering fresh perspectives on the conflict—a perception that would contribute to his subsequent nomination as defense secretary.

United States Secretary of Defense (2006–2011)

On November 8, 2006, President George W. Bush nominated Gates as the 22nd United States Secretary of Defense, to replace Donald Rumsfeld. The nomination came shortly after the 2006 midterm elections, in which the Republican Party lost control of both chambers of Congress, with the Iraq War serving as a central issue. Gates was confirmed by the United States Senate with strong bipartisan support, reflecting the broad consensus that a change in defense leadership was needed. He was sworn in on December 18, 2006.

Gates's tenure as Secretary of Defense under Bush was characterized by efforts to adjust the U.S. strategy in Iraq, including support for the 2007 troop surge. He brought a pragmatic management style to the Pentagon that contrasted with the approach of his predecessor. Gates emphasized accountability within the defense establishment and pushed for changes in military leadership and acquisition practices.

Following the election of Barack Obama in November 2008, Gates became the only Secretary of Defense in U.S. history to be asked to remain in office by a newly elected president of a different political party. Obama's decision to retain Gates signaled a desire for continuity and bipartisan cooperation in defense and national security policy during a period of ongoing military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Under the Obama administration, Gates continued to oversee the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He supported the president's decision to increase troop levels in Afghanistan in 2009 while also advocating for a realistic assessment of what military force could achieve. Gates was noted for his candid communication with both military leaders and civilian officials, and for his willingness to make difficult decisions regarding military programs and spending.

During his time as defense secretary, Gates delivered numerous public addresses on defense policy, military readiness, and the future of the armed forces. He consistently emphasized the need to balance current warfighting requirements with long-term strategic investments, and argued for reform in defense procurement and bureaucracy.

Gates retired as Secretary of Defense on June 30, 2011, succeeded by Leon Panetta. At his retirement ceremony, President Obama presented Gates with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award, in recognition of his exceptional service to the country.

Chancellor of the College of William & Mary (2012–present)

On February 3, 2012, Gates began serving as the 24th chancellor of the College of William & Mary, his alma mater, succeeding former United States Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. The chancellorship at William & Mary is a ceremonial position of considerable prestige, and Gates's appointment reflected the university's recognition of his distinguished career and his deep personal ties to the institution.

In November 2025, it was announced that Gates would serve a third term as William & Mary's chancellor, extending his service from 2026 to 2033. During his time as chancellor, Gates has served alongside university presidents W. Taylor Reveley III and Katherine Rowe.

Boy Scouts of America

Following his departure from the Department of Defense, Gates was elected president of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). In this role, he provided leadership to one of the nation's largest youth organizations during a period of significant internal debate and organizational change.

Continued Public Commentary

Gates has remained an active voice on matters of national security and defense policy. In May 2025, he publicly expressed concern about decisions by the Trump administration to reduce the workforce of national security agencies, stating his conviction that such actions were detrimental to national security. He has continued to speak at universities and policy forums, including appearances at the University of Oklahoma and Texas A&M University.

Personal Life

Gates and his wife have two children. He has maintained a relatively private personal life throughout his career in government and academia. Gates's personal connection to the College of William & Mary has been a recurring theme in his public life; he has frequently spoken about the formative influence of his undergraduate years at the institution.

Gates is the author of several books, including a memoir of his time as Secretary of Defense. His published works have addressed topics including intelligence, defense policy, and leadership.

Recognition

Gates has received numerous awards and honors over the course of his career. The most notable among these is the Presidential Medal of Freedom, presented to him by President Barack Obama during his retirement ceremony as Secretary of Defense in 2011. The medal is the highest civilian award bestowed by the United States government.

In 2007, Time magazine named Gates one of the year's most influential people, recognizing his role in reshaping U.S. defense policy during a critical period of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. In 2008, U.S. News & World Report named him one of America's Best Leaders.

Gates received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D.) degree from the College of William & Mary in 1998. He has also received honorary degrees from other institutions, including the University of Oklahoma.

In 2012, Gates was elected as a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration, recognizing his contributions to public governance and administration.

Gates was also invited to serve as commencement speaker at Georgetown University, his doctoral alma mater, further reflecting his standing in academic and policy circles.

Legacy

Robert Gates's career is distinguished by its breadth and by the bipartisan respect he earned across multiple administrations. His service under presidents of both parties—including Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama—is unusual in American political life and reflects a career oriented more toward institutional service than partisan loyalty.

As Secretary of Defense, Gates is remembered for bringing a more pragmatic and flexible approach to military strategy during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. His willingness to serve under President Obama, a Democrat, after having been appointed by President Bush, a Republican, was seen as an act of patriotic duty that transcended party lines and set a model for bipartisan cooperation in matters of national security.

His twenty-six-year career at the CIA placed him at the center of American intelligence operations during some of the most consequential decades of the Cold War. As Director of Central Intelligence during the final dissolution of the Soviet Union, Gates oversaw the intelligence community during a period of fundamental strategic reorientation.

At Texas A&M University, Gates is remembered as a president who engaged deeply with the university's traditions and culture while providing stable leadership to one of the nation's largest public research universities. His continued engagement with William & Mary as chancellor for over a decade—and his election to a third term extending through 2033—demonstrates his sustained commitment to higher education and institutional service.

Gates's career, spanning intelligence, defense, academia, and civic leadership, has established him as one of the most consequential national security figures of the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries.