David H. Berger
David H. Berger | |
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 Berger in 2019 | |
| Born | December 21, 1959 Dover, Delaware, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ | United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1981–2023 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands held |
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| Battles/wars | |
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David Hilberry Berger (born December 21, 1959) is a retired United States Marine Corps general who served as the 38th commandant of the Marine Corps from 2019 to 2023.[1]
Since his commissioning in 1981, Berger served in a variety of command and staff billets, including his participation in
Early life and education
David Hilberry Berger was born on December 21, 1959.[3][4] He is a native of Woodbine, Maryland.[5] He graduated from Glenelg High School in 1977.[6]
Berger holds a BSc in engineering from Tulane University,[7] and two Master's degrees, one in International Public Policy from Johns Hopkins University, and the other in Military Studies.[8][9][2]
Berger's formal military education includes the United States Army Infantry Officer Advanced Course, United States Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and United States Marine Corps School of Advanced Warfighting. He is a graduate of the United States Army Ranger School, United States Army Jumpmaster School, United States Navy Dive School, and United States Marine Corps Amphibious Reconnaissance School.[8][9]
Marine career
Berger was commissioned as an infantry officer in 1981 via NROTC following graduation from Tulane University with a degree in engineering.[3] As a lieutenant and captain, he served as rifle platoon commander in India Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division and later as a company commander and battalion operations officer in 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion during Operation Desert Storm. He also served as officer selection officer in Roanoke, Virginia.
As a
Berger commanded
While serving as assistant division commander of
Berger served as commanding general of
On March 26, 2019, he was nominated by President
On July 17, 2019, Berger issued his guidance for the Marine Corps: "The Commandant’s Planning Guidance (CPG) provides the 38th Commandant’s strategic direction for the Marine Corps and mirrors the function of the Secretary of Defense’s Defense Planning Guidance (DPG). It serves as the authoritative document for Service-level planning and provides a common direction to the Marine Corps Total Force."[15] Highlights include refocusing the Marine Corps on high-end combat, shifting away from legacy platforms like tanks and artillery in favor of long-range missiles and drones.[16][17]
In February 2022, Berger was the keynote speaker for the 67th MSC Student Conference on National Affairs at Texas A&M University.[18]
Berger's term as commandant ended on July 10, 2023, with him relinquishing office to his assistant commandant, Eric M. Smith.[19][20][21]
Awards and decorations
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References
- ^ Miller, LCPL Thomas (August 9, 2018). "Lt.Gen. Berger relinquishes command to Lt.Gen. Craparotta". Press Release. Marine Corps Base Hawaii, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved May 30, 2019.
- ^ a b "I Marine Expeditionary Force Leaders: Lieutenant General David H. Berger". www.imef.marines.mil. Archived from the original on December 3, 2017. Retrieved December 2, 2017.
- ^ a b Jambalaya (PDF). Tulane University. 1981. p. 420. Retrieved March 27, 2019.
- ^ "Commandants". www.usmcu.edu.
- ^ Friel, Lucian (May 24, 2007). "Woodbine, Md. native promoted to brigadier general in Marine Corps". 2nd Marine Division. Retrieved March 29, 2019.
- ^ Trobridge, Tracy (May 2, 2019). "Glenelg grad reaching highest levels of Marines". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved November 4, 2021.
- ^ "Impression: David Berger" (PDF). Tulanian. Tulane University: 44. September 2019. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 29, 2019. Retrieved September 21, 2019.
- ^ a b Harkins, Gina (March 27, 2019). "Lt. Gen. David Berger Tapped to Lead Marine Corps". Military.com. Retrieved August 3, 2019.
- ^ a b Kenney, Caitlin (March 27, 2019). "Lt. Gen. David Berger nominated as next commandant of the Marine Corps". Stars and Stripes. Retrieved August 3, 2019.
- ^ McAvoy, Audrey (Associated Press) (August 26, 2016). "New Pacific Marine leader vows to keep up work with allies". Marine Corps Times. Retrieved December 2, 2017.
- ^ Snow, Shawn (March 27, 2019). "Former recon Marine Lt. Gen. David H. Berger nominated to be next Marine Corps commandant". Marine Corps Times. Retrieved March 29, 2019.
- ^ "President Trump nominates next Commandant of the Marine Corps". Press Release. United States Marine Corps. March 27, 2019. Retrieved May 30, 2019.
- ^ "PN528 — Lt. Gen. David H. Berger — Marine Corps". www.congress.gov. Retrieved March 27, 2019.
- ^ Snow, Shawn (July 10, 2019). "Lt. Gen. David H. Berger will become Marine commandant Thursday ― on the Corps' other birthday". Marine Corps Times. Retrieved August 3, 2019.
- ^ "38TH COMMANDANT'S PLANNING GUIDANCE CPG". Retrieved September 4, 2019.
- ^ "Early Experiments are Proving Out Tank-Free Marine Corps Concept". USNI News. February 10, 2021. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
- ^ Gordon, Michael R. (March 22, 2020). "WSJ News Exclusive | Marines Plan to Retool to Meet China Threat". Wall Street Journal.
- ^ Weaver, Morgan. "67th MSC SCONA conference focuses on national security". kbtx.com. Retrieved February 15, 2022.
- ^ Harris, Bryant; Losey, Stephen; Eckstein, Megan (June 9, 2023). "Joint chiefs vacancies loom amid Tuberville's Senate stand off". Defense News. Retrieved June 9, 2023.
- ^ Seligman, Lara; O'Brien, Connor; Gould, Joe (June 13, 2023). "Tuberville hold scrambles Marines' plans for top officer's retirement". Politico. Retrieved July 10, 2023.
- ^ "Webcast: Commandant of the Marine Corps Relinquishment of Office Ceremony". DVIDS. July 10, 2023.
External links
