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Ralph Baker (general)
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 lifeRalph Otto Baker Jr. is a 1978 graduate of Aberdeen High School.[2] EducationHe 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 educationDuring 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 careerBaker 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 officerAfter 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 careerBaker 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. AwardsBaker's awards include:[2]
References
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