US Deputy National Security Advisor (March 20, 1989 - November 6, 1991).
US Secretary of Defense (2006-2011).
The 2009 Commencement Speaker at the US Military Academy, West Point, NY.
Recruited by the CIA in 1966. Had to leave briefly due to military obligations.
Served in the US Air Force as a Second Lieutenant during the Vietnam War from 1967-69. He briefed air crews as an Intelligence officer.
Deputy Director of the CIA (1986-1989).
Director of the CIA (1991-1993).
President of Texas A&M (2002-2006).
One of a few cabinet secretaries to switch parties to continue to in under the same position.
In 2008, then President-elect Barack Obama felt that Gates needed to continue in his post (Defense Secretary/Pentagon Chief) due to America's continuing crisis with war in the Middle East.