BG Eric P. Wendt, USA

Brigadier General Eric P. Wendt is the Commanding General of Special Operations Command-Korea (SOCKOR), headquartered in Seoul city of the Republic of Korea. As the CG, SOCKOR, BG Wendt serves as the CG, Special Operations Command-Korea, U.S. Forces Korea; as the CG of the United Nations Command Special Operations Component; and as the Deputy Commanding General (DCG) of the Combined Unconventional Warfare Task Force (CUWTF). BG Wendt exercises operational control of U.S. special operations forces within Korea and integrates them into theater operations, validates U.S. special operations forces missions, targeting and plans, and conducts joint/combined training. He also oversees the plans, programs and execution of Major Force Program 11 funding requirements.

BG Wendt holds a B.A. degree from the University of California-Santa Barbara, as well as a M.A. degree from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California.

Michael D. Lumpkin

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Special Operations/Low-Intensity and Interdependent
Graduate of the Defense Analysis Department, 1995

Michael D. Lumpkin was sworn in as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations/Low-Intensity Conflict & Interdependent Capabilities (SO/LIC&IC) on April 25, 2011.

Mr. Lumpkin assists the ASD (SO/LIC&IC) in the development of policy regarding the capabilities and operational employment of special operations forces, strategic forces and conventional forces.  He also assists the ASD on counterterrorism strategy, counternarcotics, force transformation initiatives, and special activities.

Mr. Lumpkin holds an MA from Naval Postgraduate School in National Security Affairs.  He is a recognized subspecialist in Special Operations/Low-Intensity Conflict and Western Hemisphere Affairs.

Admiral William H. McRaven

Commander, United States Special Operations Command
Graduate of the Defense Analysis Department, 1993

Adm. McRaven is the ninth commander of United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. USSOCOM ensures the readiness of joint special operations forces and, as directed, conducts operations worldwide.

McRaven served from June 2008 to June 2011 as the 11th commander of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) headquartered at Fort Bragg, N.C. JSOC is charged to study special operations requirements and techniques, ensure interoperability and equipment standardization, plan and conduct special operations exercises and training, and develop joint special operations tactics.

McRaven’s professional education includes assignment to the Naval Postgraduate School, where he helped establish, and was the first graduate from, the Special Operations/Low Intensity Conflict curriculum.

Rear Admiral P. Gardner Howe, III

Assistant Commanding Officer, Joint Special Operations Command
Graduate of the Defense Analysis Department, 1995

Rear Adm. Howe is a native of Jacksonville, Fla.  He was commissioned in 1984 following his graduation from the United States Naval Academy.

Howe’s operational assignments have included a full range of duties in SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) Teams and SEAL Teams. He commanded Naval Special Warfare Unit Three in Bahrain, and Naval Special Warfare Group Three in San Diego. His service overseas includes multiple deployments to the Western Pacific and Arabian Gulf, and participation in Operations Earnest Will, Provide Promise, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom.

Howe graduated from the Naval Postgraduate School in 1995 with a Master of Arts in National Security Affairs (Special Operations/Low Intensity Conflict), and from the National War College in 2002 with a Master of Arts in National Security.

Rear Admiral Edward G. Winters, III

Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command, 2008-2010
Graduate of the Defense Analysis Department 1994

In May 2001 Winters reported to JSOC at Fort Bragg, N.C., serving as the deputy operations officer. During his tour of duty he deployed four times with joint task forces in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, including one deployment as commanding officer. In August 2003 he returned to DEVGRU and took command. During his tour of duty he deployed four more times with a joint task force in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Following his command tour, he was assigned in January 2006 to USSOCOM as director, Interagency Task Force at the Center for Special Operations. From April 2007 to June 2008 Winters deployed to Iraq as commander, Iraqi National Counterterrorism Force Transition Team. Winters was selected for flag rank on Aug. 1, 2007. He took command of Naval Special Warfare Command Sept. 5, 2008.

Brigadier General Michael J. Kingsley

Brig. Gen. Michael J. Kingsley, Vice Commander, Air Force Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, Fla.

General Kingsley received his commission through the Officer Training School in 1984. He has held positions at the Air Staff, Joint Special Operations Command and Joint Staff. He previously commanded the 20th Special Operations Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla., and the Aviation Tactics Evaluation Group, Fort Bragg, N.C. He is a command pilot with more than 3,200 flying hours, primarily in MH-53J/M, HH-3 and UH-1. Prior to assuming his current position, he was the Commander, Twenty-third Air Force, and the Director of Operations for Air Force Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, Florida.