Ralph Baker (general)
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Ralph Baker | |
|---|---|
 Baker as a major general and commander of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa | |
| Born | March 21, 1960 Turkey |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1982–2013 |
| Rank | Major General (Highest rank held) Brigadier General (Rank at retirement) |
| Commands | 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa |
| Battles / wars | Operation urgent Fury Iraq War |
| Awards | Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit Bronze Star Medal |
| Other work | Director of Strategic Initiatives, SOS International, LLC Managing Director, Southern Development Ltd. (SODEVCO) |
Ralph Otto "Rob" Baker Jr. (born March 21, 1960) is a retired United States Army Brigadier General who was formerly a major general and commander of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.[1]
Early life
[edit]Ralph Otto Baker Jr. is a 1978 graduate of Aberdeen High School.[2]
Education
[edit]He then attended the United States Military Academy and received a bachelor's degree in 1982.[3] He later earned master's degrees from Central Michigan University and the Naval War College.[3]
Military education
[edit]During his Army career, Baker graduated from the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the Combined Arms Services Staff School, and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.[2] He also attended the Airborne, Ranger, Pathfinder, Jumpmaster, Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle and Joint Firepower Control courses.[2]
Start of career
[edit]Baker was commissioned a second lieutenant of infantry after graduating from West Point.[3] His assignments included service with the 82nd Airborne Division during its deployment to Grenada. Among his postings were: 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment; 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment; 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized); Deputy G3, V Corps, Heidelberg, Germany.[2]
Additional assignments included Tactical Officer at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, United Kingdom; Aide-de-Camp to the commanding general, I Corps and Fort Lewis; and deputy director for Politico-Military Affairs, J-5 – Middle East, Strategic Plans and Policy, on the Joint Staff.[2] Baker participated in 87 parachute jumps.[2]
He commanded 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment and 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division.[2][3]
Career as a general officer
[edit]After becoming a brigadier general, Baker served as Deputy Commanding General, United States Division – Center in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn.[2] At the time of his promotion to major general, he was vice director for Joint Force Development (J7) on the Joint Staff at the Pentagon.[2]
After receiving his second star, Baker served as commander of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa from 2012 until he retired in 2013.[4] Because he did not have enough time in grade as a major general, Baker's retired rank was brigadier general.[4]
He was relieved of his command in March, 2013, following allegations of sexual misconduct.[4] During an investigation, soldiers serving under Baker at Camp Lemonnier said he had a history of heavy drinking.[4] He paid a fine, was demoted to brigadier general, and retired in September, 2013.[4]
Later career
[edit]Baker was employed as Director of Strategic Initiatives for SOS International, LLC.[5] He later worked as Managing Director for Southern Development Ltd. (SODEVCO),a company seeking to develop fuel and mineral processing enterprises in countries including Afghanistan.
Awards
[edit]Baker's awards include:[2]
- Defense Superior Service Medal
- Legion of Merit
- Bronze Star Medal with three oak leaf clusters and "V" device
- Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters
- Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters
- National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star
- Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
- Iraq Campaign Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
- Ranger tab
- Combat Infantryman Badge (2nd Award)
- Master Parachutist Badge
- British Parachutist Badge
References
[edit]- ^ Megan McCloskey (4 April 2013). "Baker relieved of duties as Task Force-Horn of Africa commander". Stars and Stripes. Retrieved 5 April 2013.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j John Hesterly (2 February 2012). "Aberdeen High graduate Baker receives second star". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 28 August 2015.
- ^ a b c d Laura Caswell (16 February 2011). "Brigadier General Ralph O. Baker: Director for Operational Plans and Joint Force Development, J7" (PDF). Retrieved 28 August 2015.
- ^ a b c d e Dan Lamothe (1 October 2014). "Army general, accused of sexual assault by senior adviser, retired quietly with demotion". The Washington Post. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
- ^ "Biography, Rob Baker". Our Leadership Team. Dubai, UAE: SODEVCO. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
