Gen. James L. Jones, Jr.

General James L. Jones, Jr., USMC (Ret.) is the chairman of the Brent Scowcroft Center on International Security. As the former commander of US European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, he led all military operations for NATO and later, as national security advisor, he brought clear vision and steady leadership to America’s mission in Iraq, the war in Afghanistan, and the country’s interests around the world. He served in Vietnam, serving as rifle platoon and company commander.

On returning to the United States, he pursued a career in the Marines, attending the Amphibious Warfare School in 1973 and the National War College in 1985, and serving as Marine Corps liaison officer to the US Senate. He was also commanding officer of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit in Northern Iraq and Turkey on Operation Provide Comfort; chief of staff, Joint Task Force Provide Promise, for operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Macedonia; and commanding general, 2nd Marine Division, Marine Forces Atlantic. He also served as military assistant to the secretary of defense from 1997 to 1999. He became the 32nd commandant of the United States Marine Corps in July 1999.