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.

Military career

Franks, after graduation from Armed Forces Staff College, was posted to The Pentagon in 1976 where he served as an Army Inspector General in the Investigations Division. In 1977 he was assigned to the Office of the Chief of Staff, Army where he served on the Congressional Activities Team, and subsequently as an Executive Assistant.

Related Topics:
The Pentagon - Army Inspector General - Congressional Activities Team

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In 1981, Franks returned to West Germany where he commanded 2nd Battalion, 78th Field Artillery for three years. He returned to the United States in 1984 to attend the Army War College at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where he also completed graduate studies and received a Master of Science Degree in Public Administration at Shippensburg University. He was next assigned to Fort Hood, Texas, as III Corps Deputy Assistant G3, a position he held until 1987 when he assumed command of Division Artillery, US 1st Cavalry Division. He also served as Chief of Staff, 1st Cavalry Division during this tour.

Related Topics:
Army War College - Carlisle, Pennsylvania - Shippensburg University - Fort Hood - Texas - III Corps - US 1st Cavalry Division - Chief of Staff

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His initial general officer assignment was Assistant Division Commander (Maneuver), 1st Cavalry Division during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. During 1991-92, he was assigned as Assistant Commandant of the Field Artillery School at Fort Sill. In 1992, he was assigned to Fort Monroe, Virginia as the first Director, Louisiana Maneuvers Task Force, Office of Chief of Staff of the Army, a position held until 1994 when he was reassigned to South Korea as the CJG3 of Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces Korea.

Related Topics:
Operation Desert Shield - Operation Desert Storm - Assistant Commandant - Fort Monroe, Virginia - South Korea

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From 1995-97, General Franks commanded the 2nd (Warrior) Division, Korea. He assumed command of Third (U.S.) Army/Army Forces Central Command in Atlanta, Ga. in May 1997, a post he held until June 2000 when he was selected for promotion to general and assignment as Commander in Chief, United States Central Command.

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General Franks' retirement was announced on May 22, 2003. Secretary Donald Rumsfeld had offered him the position of Army Chief of Staff, but he declined.

Related Topics:
May 22 - 2003 - Donald Rumsfeld - Army Chief of Staff

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General Franks endorsed President George W. Bush for re-election on August 31, 2004.

Related Topics:
George W. Bush - August 31 - 2004

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