James R. Schlesinger

James Rodney Schlesinger (born 15 February 1929) was United States Secretary of Defense from 1973 to 1974 under presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. He became America's first Secretary of Energy under Jimmy Carter.

Early Life and Career

Schlesinger was born in New York City and educated at Harvard University, where he earned a B.A. (1950), M.A. (1952), and Ph.D. (1956) in economics. Between 1955 and 1963 he taught economics at the University of Virginia and in 1960 published The Political Economy of National Security. In 1963 he moved to the Rand Corporation, where he worked until 1969, in the later years as director of strategic studies.

Related Topics:
New York City - Harvard University - 1955 - 1963 - University of Virginia - 1960 - Rand Corporation - 1969

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Nixon Administration

In 1969 Schlesinger joined the Nixon administration as assistant director of the Bureau of the Budget, devoting most of his time to Defense matters. In 1971 President Nixon appointed Schlesinger a member of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and designated him as chairman. Serving in this position for about a year and a half, Schlesinger instituted extensive organizational and management changes in an effort to improve the AEC's regulatory performance.

Related Topics:
Bureau of the Budget - Atomic Energy Commission

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Director of Central Intelligence (1973)

On February 2, 1973 he became director of the Central Intelligence Agency, after Richard Helms, the previous director, had been fired for his refusal to block the Watergate investigation. Schlesinger's first words upon becoming DCI were, reportedly, "I'm here to make sure you don't screw Richard Nixon." Although his CIA service was short, he again undertook comprehensive organizational and personnel changes. By this time he had a reputation as a tough, forthright, and outspoken administrator.

Related Topics:
February 2 - 1973 - Central Intelligence Agency - Richard Helms - Watergate

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~