Michael Gates
Affiliate Defense Scholar
Michael Gates retired from the US Army in 2026. He grew up in Fincastle, Virginia, graduated from West Point in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science, and was commissioned in the US Army as an Infantry Officer. Michael’s initial operational assignment was in Germany, with service as a Reconnaissance Platoon Leader in Kosovo, and a Company Commander in Iraq.
Upon completing Special Forces qualification in 2006, Michael was assigned to 10th Special Forces Group where he served as a Detachment Commander in Afghanistan and later served as the Aide-de-Camp to the Commanding General, US Army Special Forces Command. He returned to 10th Group to serve as a Company Commander, Chief of Operations in Djibouti, and the Group Operations Officer. Michael then served as the SOCAFRICA Executive Officer, West Africa Future Operations Chief, and Director of Current Operations. He commanded Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia from 2018-2020, then served at the Pentagon as a Special Assistant for Legislative Affairs and assumed duties as the Joint Staff Assistant Deputy Director for Special Operations in 2023.
He holds a Master of Science from the Naval Postgraduate School, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the Marine Corps War College.