Ralph Baker | |
---|---|
Born | Turkey | March 21, 1960
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 held | 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]
Ralph Otto Baker Jr. is a 1978 graduate of Aberdeen High School. [2]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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.
Baker's awards include: [2]