Mark Kimmitt: A Distinguished Career in Diplomacy and the Military

A Highly Decorated Military Officer and Diplomat

Mark Kimmitt is a renowned American diplomat and retired brigadier general, best known for serving as the Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs from August 2008 to January 2009. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in shaping U.S. foreign policy, particularly in the Middle East.

Early Life and Education

Born on June 21, 1954, at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Kimmitt comes from a family with a strong military tradition. His father, Joseph Stanley Kimmitt, was the Secretary of the United States Senate and Secretary for the Majority from 1977 to 1981. Kimmitt's older brother, Robert, also served in the U.S. Army and later became the United States Ambassador to Germany. Kimmitt graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1976 and went on to earn a Master's in Business Administration degree from Harvard University in 1984. He also holds Master of Arts degrees from the United States Army Command and General Staff College and the National Defense University.

Military Career

Kimmitt had a distinguished military career, serving in various command and staff assignments throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. He was a planning officer in Allied and Joint service commands, and spent three years as an assistant professor and instructor with the Military Academy's Department of Social Sciences. Notably, Kimmitt served as the deputy director for strategy and plans for the United States Central Command, and as the deputy director for operations and chief military spokesman for coalition forces in Iraq. He retired from the U.S. Army as a brigadier general in December 2006.

Diplomatic Career

Kimmitt's diplomatic career is marked by his tenure as the Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing the development of U.S. policy on international security, arms control, and non-proliferation. Prior to his appointment, Kimmitt served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East, where he played a key role in shaping U.S. policy in the region. He has also served at NATO's SHAPE headquarters in Belgium.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Kimmitt has received numerous awards and honors, including:

• The Defense Distinguished Service Medal
• The Army Distinguished Service Medal
• The Defense Superior Service Medal
• The Legion of Merit
• The Bronze Star Medal

Personal Life

Kimmitt is married to Catherine Kimmitt. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and has taught finance and economics at the United States Military Academy.

Legacy

Mark Kimmitt's distinguished career in diplomacy and the military has left a lasting impact on U.S. foreign policy and national security. His expertise and leadership have shaped the country's approach to international relations, and his legacy continues to inspire future generations of diplomats and military officers.