Colin Powell
Overview
Colin Luther Powell (ˈkoʊlɨn; born April 5, 1937) is an American statesman and a retired four-star general
in the United States Army
. He was the 65th United States Secretary of State
, serving under President George W. Bush
from 2001 to 2005. He was the first African American
to serve in that position. During his military career, Powell also served as National Security Advisor
(1987–1989), as Commander of the U.S. Army Forces Command
(1989) and as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
(1989–1993), holding the latter position during the Gulf War
.
General (United States)
In the United States Army, United States Air Force, and United States Marine Corps, general is a four-star general officer rank, with the pay grade of O-10. General ranks above lieutenant general and below General of the Army or General of the Air Force; the Marine Corps does not have an...
in the United States Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
. He was the 65th United States Secretary of State
United States Secretary of State
The United States Secretary of State is the head of the United States Department of State, concerned with foreign affairs. The Secretary is a member of the Cabinet and the highest-ranking cabinet secretary both in line of succession and order of precedence...
, serving under President George W. Bush
George W. Bush
George Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was the 46th Governor of Texas, having served from 1995 to 2000....
from 2001 to 2005. He was the first African American
African American
African Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have at least partial ancestry from any of the native populations of Sub-Saharan Africa and are the direct descendants of enslaved Africans within the boundaries of the present United States...
to serve in that position. During his military career, Powell also served as National Security Advisor
National Security Advisor (United States)
The Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, commonly referred to as the National Security Advisor , serves as the chief advisor to the President of the United States on national security issues...
(1987–1989), as Commander of the U.S. Army Forces Command
United States Army Forces Command
United States Army Forces Command is the largest Army Command and the preeminent provider of expeditionary, campaign-capable land forces to Combatant Commanders. Headquartered at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, FORSCOM consists of more than 750,000 Active Army, U.S. Army Reserve, and Army National...
(1989) and as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is by law the highest ranking military officer in the United States Armed Forces, and is the principal military adviser to the President of the United States, the National Security Council, the Homeland Security Council and the Secretary of Defense...
(1989–1993), holding the latter position during the Gulf War
Gulf War
The Persian Gulf War , commonly referred to as simply the Gulf War, was a war waged by a U.N.-authorized coalition force from 34 nations led by the United States, against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait.The war is also known under other names, such as the First Gulf...
.
Discussions
Quotations
"Of all manifestations of power, restraint impresses men most."
Epigram from Thucydides kept in the office of General Colin Powell when he was Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
"Our strategy in going after this army is very simple. First we are going to cut it off, and then we are going to kill it."
Remark made as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, announcing the U.S. gulf war plan against Saddam Hussein’s army. Pentagon press briefing on 1991-1-23.
"This may sound a little improper, but when the Vice President and I are alone it's Colin and Dick."