Shinseki, Eric Ken, 1942-

Eric (Ric) Ken Shinseki was a United States Army officer who, following his graduation from the United States Military Academy (USMA) in 1965, served initially as an artillery officer with the 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam before changing his service branch to armor. After suffering a near career-ending injury on his second tour in Vietnam, Shinseki requested a medical waiver to stay in the Army. Receiving his waiver, Shinseki returned to school at Duke University and earned his masters degree in English Literature. After an assignment at the USMA as a professor of English, Shinseki attended the United States Command and General Staff College. After two consecutive assignments with the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiments, Shinseki began the first of what would eventually become five different assignments over his career with the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff of Operations and Plans (DCSOPS) in Washington, DC. Significant European assignments included Assistant Chief of Staff of VII Corps; Deputy Chief of Staff in Administration and Logistics, Allied Land Forces Southern Europe; Assistant Division Commander 3rd Infantry Division; and Commander, United States Army Europe and the Stabilization Force to Bosnia. In 1999, Shinseki was appointed the 34th Chief of Staff. During his tenure, Shinseki implemented policies transforming the Army into a more versatile and lethal fighting force. In 2003, after thirty-eight years of service to the United States, Shinseki retired.

From the description of Eric K. Shinseki collection, 1985-2003 (bulk 1997-2003). (US Army, Mil Hist Institute). WorldCat record id: 62711707