John F. Sattler
Encyclopedia
Lieutenant General
John F. Sattler, United States Marine Corps
, was the Director of Strategic Plans and Policy, U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff
. He was also concurrently the United States' representative to the Military Staff Committee
of the United Nations
.
, he received his commission as second lieutenant in June 1971, following graduation from the United States Naval Academy
, where he earned a Bachelor of Science
degree in Economics
. Sattler was an accomplished wrestler at the Naval Academy, and qualified and wrestled in the NCAA national tournament three different years.
In February 1972, after completing The Basic School (TBS), he was transferred to 2nd Battalion
, 4th Marines in Okinawa where he served as a Rifle Platoon Commander. Returning to the United States in 1973, he was assigned to the Reserve Division at Headquarters Marine Corps
where he served until his reassignment to Amphibious Warfare School as a student in 1976. Graduating with honors in 1977, he was assigned to The Basic School where he served as a Tactics Instructor, Staff Platoon Commander (SPC), and an Infantry Officer Course Instructor.
Following his tour at Marine Corps Base Quantico
, Sattler returned to 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines on Okinawa for duty as Battalion Operations Officer. Upon return to the United States in 1981, he served as Infantry Weapons Procurement Officer at Headquarters Marine Corps until 1985. He graduated with honors from Marine Corps Command and Staff College in 1986, and reported to 2nd Marine Division for his third tour with 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, this time as the Executive Officer
.
In 1988, Sattler was assigned as Commander, Ground Combat Element for Special Purpose MAGTF
4-88. After serving as J-3, Ground Officer for Joint Operation Solid Shield, he spent one year at Headquarters Marine Corps before being assigned to the Industrial College of Armed Forces (ICAF) at the National Defense University
, Washington, D.C.
He graduated with distinction in June 1991 and reported for duty as Congressional Liaison Officer to the U.S. House of Representatives
. He detached from this assignment in August 1995, and took command of 2nd Marine Regiment on August 12, 1995. He was promoted to Brigadier General
at his change of command on May 29, 1997 and assumed his duties as Assistant Division Commander, 2nd Marine Division that same day.
In September 1998, Sattler reported to the Joint Staff
and assumed duties as the Deputy Director for Operations (Combating Terrorism) J-34. In July 2000, he transferred to Headquarters Marine Corps to assume the duties as the Director, Public Affairs Division. In July 2001, he assumed duties as the Commanding General of 2nd Marine Division at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
, North Carolina
. In November 2002, he assumed duties as Commander, Combined Joint Task Force, Horn of Africa
. In August 2003, he assumed duties as Director of Operations, U.S. Central Command
. Sattler was promoted to his current rank and assumed command of I Marine Expeditionary Force on September 12, 2004. On August 3, 2005, Lieutenant General Sattler assumed the duties as Commander, U.S. Marine Forces Central Command.
On 5 July 2006, the Pentagon
announced Sattler's nomination to be the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff
's Director of Strategic Plans and Policy. Lieutenant General Sattler relinquished command of the I Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Forces Central Command
on August 14, 2006. He was assigned as Director for Strategic Plans and Policy, Joint Staff on September 1, 2006. Lieutenant General Sattler retired effective 1 August 2008.
Lieutenant General (United States)
In the United States Army, the United States Air Force and the United States Marine Corps, lieutenant general is a three-star general officer rank, with the pay grade of O-9. Lieutenant general ranks above major general and below general...
John F. Sattler, United States Marine Corps
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
, was the Director of Strategic Plans and Policy, U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff
Joint Chiefs of Staff
The Joint Chiefs of Staff is a body of senior uniformed leaders in the United States Department of Defense who advise the Secretary of Defense, the Homeland Security Council, the National Security Council and the President on military matters...
. He was also concurrently the United States' representative to the Military Staff Committee
Military Staff Committee
The Military Staff Committee is the United Nations Security Council subsidiary body whose role, as defined by the United Nations Charter, is to plan UN military operations and assist in the regulation of armaments....
of the United Nations
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
.
Biography
Sattler was born and raised in the Pittsburgh suburb of Monroeville, PAMonroeville, Pennsylvania
Monroeville is a home rule municipality in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, United States. Located about east of the city of Pittsburgh, Monroeville is a bustling suburb with mixed residential and commercial developments...
, he received his commission as second lieutenant in June 1971, following graduation from the United States Naval Academy
United States Naval Academy
The United States Naval Academy is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located in Annapolis, Maryland, United States...
, where he earned a Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science
A Bachelor of Science is an undergraduate academic degree awarded for completed courses that generally last three to five years .-Australia:In Australia, the BSc is a 3 year degree, offered from 1st year on...
degree in Economics
Economics
Economics is the social science that analyzes the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. The term economics comes from the Ancient Greek from + , hence "rules of the house"...
. Sattler was an accomplished wrestler at the Naval Academy, and qualified and wrestled in the NCAA national tournament three different years.
In February 1972, after completing The Basic School (TBS), he was transferred to 2nd Battalion
2nd Battalion 4th Marines
2nd Battalion, 4th Marines is an infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps. The battalion, nicknamed the Magnificent Bastards, is based out of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California and are a part of the 5th Marine Regiment and 1st Marine Division.-Early years:2nd Battalion, 4th...
, 4th Marines in Okinawa where he served as a Rifle Platoon Commander. Returning to the United States in 1973, he was assigned to the Reserve Division at Headquarters Marine Corps
Headquarters Marine Corps
Headquarters Marine Corps is a headquarters staff within the Department of the Navy which includes the offices of the Commandant of the Marine Corps, the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps and various staff functions...
where he served until his reassignment to Amphibious Warfare School as a student in 1976. Graduating with honors in 1977, he was assigned to The Basic School where he served as a Tactics Instructor, Staff Platoon Commander (SPC), and an Infantry Officer Course Instructor.
Following his tour at Marine Corps Base Quantico
Marine Corps Base Quantico
Marine Corps Base Quantico, sometimes abbreviated MCB Quantico, is a major United States Marine Corps training base located near Triangle, Virginia, covering nearly in southern Prince William County, northern Stafford County, and southeastern Fauquier County...
, Sattler returned to 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines on Okinawa for duty as Battalion Operations Officer. Upon return to the United States in 1981, he served as Infantry Weapons Procurement Officer at Headquarters Marine Corps until 1985. He graduated with honors from Marine Corps Command and Staff College in 1986, and reported to 2nd Marine Division for his third tour with 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, this time as the Executive Officer
Executive officer
An executive officer is generally a person responsible for running an organization, although the exact nature of the role varies depending on the organization.-Administrative law:...
.
In 1988, Sattler was assigned as Commander, Ground Combat Element for Special Purpose MAGTF
Marine Air-Ground Task Force
The Marine Air-Ground Task Force is a term used by the United States Marine Corps to describe the principal organization for all missions across the range of military operations. MAGTFs are a balanced air-ground, combined arms task organization of Marine Corps forces under a single commander that...
4-88. After serving as J-3, Ground Officer for Joint Operation Solid Shield, he spent one year at Headquarters Marine Corps before being assigned to the Industrial College of Armed Forces (ICAF) at the National Defense University
National Defense University
The National Defense University is an institution of higher education funded by the United States Department of Defense, intended to facilitate high-level training, education, and the development of national security strategy. It is chartered by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, with Navy Vice Admiral...
, Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
He graduated with distinction in June 1991 and reported for duty as Congressional Liaison Officer to the U.S. House of Representatives
United States House of Representatives
The United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
. He detached from this assignment in August 1995, and took command of 2nd Marine Regiment on August 12, 1995. He was promoted to Brigadier General
Brigadier general (United States)
A brigadier general in the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, is a one-star general officer, with the pay grade of O-7. Brigadier general ranks above a colonel and below major general. Brigadier general is equivalent to the rank of rear admiral in the other uniformed...
at his change of command on May 29, 1997 and assumed his duties as Assistant Division Commander, 2nd Marine Division that same day.
In September 1998, Sattler reported to the Joint Staff
Joint Chiefs of Staff
The Joint Chiefs of Staff is a body of senior uniformed leaders in the United States Department of Defense who advise the Secretary of Defense, the Homeland Security Council, the National Security Council and the President on military matters...
and assumed duties as the Deputy Director for Operations (Combating Terrorism) J-34. In July 2000, he transferred to Headquarters Marine Corps to assume the duties as the Director, Public Affairs Division. In July 2001, he assumed duties as the Commanding General of 2nd Marine Division at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is a United States military training facility in North Carolina. The base's of beaches make it a major area for amphibious assault training, and its location between two deep-water ports allows for fast deployments.The main base is supplemented by five satellite...
, North Carolina
North Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
. In November 2002, he assumed duties as Commander, Combined Joint Task Force, Horn of Africa
Horn of Africa
The Horn of Africa is a peninsula in East Africa that juts hundreds of kilometers into the Arabian Sea and lies along the southern side of the Gulf of Aden. It is the easternmost projection of the African continent...
. In August 2003, he assumed duties as Director of Operations, U.S. Central Command
United States Central Command
The United States Central Command is a theater-level Unified Combatant Command unit of the U.S. armed forces, established in 1983 under the operational control of the U.S. Secretary of Defense...
. Sattler was promoted to his current rank and assumed command of I Marine Expeditionary Force on September 12, 2004. On August 3, 2005, Lieutenant General Sattler assumed the duties as Commander, U.S. Marine Forces Central Command.
On 5 July 2006, the Pentagon
The Pentagon
The Pentagon is the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, located in Arlington County, Virginia. As a symbol of the U.S. military, "the Pentagon" is often used metonymically to refer to the Department of Defense rather than the building itself.Designed by the American architect...
announced Sattler's nomination to be the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff
Joint Chiefs of Staff
The Joint Chiefs of Staff is a body of senior uniformed leaders in the United States Department of Defense who advise the Secretary of Defense, the Homeland Security Council, the National Security Council and the President on military matters...
's Director of Strategic Plans and Policy. Lieutenant General Sattler relinquished command of the I Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Forces Central Command
Central Command
Central Command may refer to:* United States Central Command* AFP Central Command * Central Command...
on August 14, 2006. He was assigned as Director for Strategic Plans and Policy, Joint Staff on September 1, 2006. Lieutenant General Sattler retired effective 1 August 2008.
Awards
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| Basic Parachutist Insignia Parachutist Badge (United States) The Parachutist Badge, also commonly referred to as "Jump Wings" or "Snow Cone", is a military badge of the United States Armed Forces awarded to members of the United States Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy... |
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| Defense Distinguished Service Medal Defense Distinguished Service Medal The Defense Distinguished Service Medal is a United States military award which is presented for exceptionally distinguished performance of duty contributing to national security or defense of the United States... |
Defense Superior Service Medal Defense Superior Service Medal The Defense Superior Service Medal is a senior United States military decoration of the Department of Defense, awarded to members of the United States armed forces who perform "superior meritorious service in a position of significant responsibility."... |
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| Legion of Merit Legion of Merit The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements... w/ 1 award star Award star An award star is a decoration issued to personnel of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard in lieu of multiple awards of the same award. An award star is very similar to an oak leaf cluster, which serves the same purpose in the United States Army and United States Air Force... |
Meritorious Service Medal Meritorious Service Medal (United States) The Meritorious Service Medal is a military decoration presented to members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States subsequent to January 16, 1969... w/ 1 award star |
Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal Commendation Medal The Commendation Medal is a mid-level United States military decoration which is presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. For valorous actions in direct contact with an enemy force, but of a lesser degree than required for the award of the Bronze Star, the Valor device may... |
Joint Meritorious Unit Award Joint Meritorious Unit Award The Joint Meritorious Unit Award is a military award that was established on June 4, 1981 by Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger and was implemented by Department of Defense Directive 1348.27 dated July 22, 1982... |
| National Defense Service Medal National Defense Service Medal The National Defense Service Medal is a military service medal of the United States military originally commissioned by President Dwight D. Eisenhower... w/ 2 service star Service star A service star, also referred to as a battle star, campaign star, or engagement star, is an attachment to a United States military decoration which denotes participation in military campaigns or multiple bestowals of the same award. Service stars are typically issued for campaign medals, service... |
Vietnam Service Medal Vietnam Service Medal The Vietnam Service Medal is a military award which was created in 1965 by order of President Lyndon B. Johnson. The distinctive design was the creation of sculptor Thomas Hudson Jones, a former employee of the Army Institute of Heraldry. The medal is issued to recognize military service during... |
Iraq Campaign Medal Iraq Campaign Medal The Iraq Campaign Medal is a military award of the United States armed forces which was created by Executive Order 13363 of President George W. Bush on November 29, 2004. The Iraq Campaign Medal was designed by the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry.... |
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal is a United States armed forces military award created by George W. Bush on March 12, 2003 by Executive Order 13289. It recognizes those military service members who have deployed overseas in direct service to the War on Terror from September 11,... |
| Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Global War on Terrorism Service Medal The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal is a military award of the United States military which was created by Executive Order 13289 of President George W. Bush on March 12, 2003... |
Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon Sea Service Ribbon A Sea Service Ribbon is an award of the United States Navy, United States Coast Guard and the United States Army which recognizes those service members who have performed military duty while stationed on a vessel at sea.... w/ 3 service stars |
Arctic Service Ribbon Arctic Service Ribbon The Navy Arctic Service Ribbon is a decoration of the United States Navy which was established in May 1986. The ribbon is authorized to any member of the U.S. Navy or United States Marine Corps for service above the Arctic Circle. Like the Antarctica Service Medal, it may also be awarded to... |
Philippine Presidential Unit Citation Presidential Unit Citation (Philippines) The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation is a decoration of the Republic of the Philippines which has been awarded to certain units of the United States military for actions both during and subsequent to the Second World War.... |
See also
- U.S. Central Command
- U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff