Mark Esper is known both as a military veteran and a public servant. He is most recognized for serving as the United States Secretary of Defense during the Trump administration.
Mark Thomas Esper was born on April 26, 1964, in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1986, earning his commission in the Infantry. He completed rigorous training courses, including Ranger School and Pathfinder School, and was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division. Esper served in the Gulf War of 1990–1991 with the "Screaming Eagles" and later commanded a rifle company in the 3rd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, stationed in Vicenza, Italy.
Following over a decade of active duty and additional years in the Army National Guard and Army Reserve, Esper transitioned to roles in public policy and defense. He held the position of Chief of Staff at The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. He subsequently worked as legislative director and senior policy advisor to former Senator Chuck Hagel. Esper also served as a senior professional staff member on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee, as well as policy director for the House Armed Services Committee. Additionally, he acted as national security adviser to former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist.
During the George W. Bush administration, Esper served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Negotiations Policy at the Pentagon. In this role, he was involved in matters of arms control, nonproliferation, and international security.
In July 2019, Mark Esper was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Secretary of Defense, succeeding Jim Mattis. His confirmation ended what had become the longest leadership vacancy in Pentagon history. Esper assumed leadership at a time of heightened U.S. tensions with Iran and ongoing military involvement in Afghanistan. Prior to this role, he had served as Secretary of the Army since November 2017.
As Defense Secretary under President Donald Trump, Esper played a central role in formulating U.S. defense policy, managing global military operations, and advising on international security threats. His tenure occurred during a period of shifting defense strategies, focusing on great-power competition and military modernization.
Mark Esper has received several prestigious awards for his service. These include the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, the Kuwait Liberation Medals (from both Kuwait and Saudi Arabia), and the Combat Infantryman Badge. His military and policy career established him as a key figure in contemporary U.S. defense leadership.
Mark Esper is married to Leah Esper. The couple has navigated the challenges of military life together, moving frequently due to his Army assignments. During his 2017 Senate confirmation hearing for Secretary of the Army, Esper publicly praised his wife for her steadfast support and resilience, referring to her as the cornerstone of their family. Together, they have three children.
| Birth Date: | 26 Apr, 1964 |
| Age: | 56 yrs |
| Occupations: | Lobbyist Military officer |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Uniontown |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | U.S. Secretary of Defense |
