Tommy Franks

Tommy Ray Franks (born June 17, 1945) is a retired General in the United States Army, previously serving as the Commander-in-Chief of United States Central Command, overseeing United States Armed Forces operations in a 25-country region, including the Middle East. Franks succeeded General Anthony Zinni to this position on July 6, 2000 and served until his retirement on July 7, 2003. He is an alumnus of University of Texas at Arlington. He was succeeded by General John Abizaid.

Early life

Franks was born in Wynnewood, Oklahoma but grew up in Texas, attending the same high school as Laura Bush in Midland.

Related Topics:
Wynnewood, Oklahoma - Texas - Laura Bush - Midland

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Franks was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1967 as a distinguished graduate of The U.S. Army Artillery and Missile Officer Candidate School (USAAMOCS), Fort Sill, Oklahoma. After an initial tour as a battery Assistant Executive Officer at Fort Sill, he was assigned to the US 9th Infantry Division, Republic of Vietnam, where he served as Forward Observer, Aerial Observer, and Assistant S-3 with 2nd Battalion, 4th Field Artillery. He also served as Fire Support Officer with 5th Battalion (mechanized), 60th Infantry during this tour.

Related Topics:
The U.S. Army Artillery and Missile Officer Candidate School - Fort Sill - Oklahoma - Assistant Executive Officer - US 9th Infantry Division - Vietnam - Forward Observer - Aerial Observer - Assistant S-3 - Fire Support Officer

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In 1968, Franks returned to Fort Sill, where he commanded a cannon battery in the Artillery Training Center. In 1969, he was selected to participate in the Army's "Boot Strap Degree Completion Program," and subsequently attended the University of Texas at Arlington, where he graduated with a degree in Business Administration in 1971. Following attendance at the Artillery Advance Course, he was assigned to the Second Armored Cavalry Regiment in West Germany in 1973 where he commanded 1st Squadron Howitzer Battery, and served as Squadron S-3. He also commanded the 84th Armored Engineer Company, and served as Regimental Assistant S-3 during this tour.

Related Topics:
Artillery Training Center - Boot Strap Degree Completion Program - University of Texas at Arlington - Business Administration - West Germany

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