The United States Secretary of Defense is one of the most important and influential positions in the American government, responsible for overseeing the country’s military and ensuring its security. Over the years, many individuals have held this position, each leaving their own unique mark on history. In this article, we look at the 10 oldest individuals to have served as the US Secretary of Defense.
These individuals come from various backgrounds and political affiliations, and their experiences serve as a fascinating window into the history of the United States and its military. From former generals and politicians to business leaders and academics, these individuals played a crucial role in shaping the country’s defense strategy and ensuring its security in a rapidly changing world.
10. Frank Carlucci (October 18, 1930 – June 3, 2018)
Age: 87 years, 7 months, 16 days
Time in Office: 1 year, 58 days
Party: Republican
President Serving Under: Ronald Reagan
photo source: Politico
Frank Carlucci was a renowned American government official and businessman who served as the Secretary of Defense under President Ronald Reagan. Born on June 6, 1930, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Carlucci launched his government career in the 1950s and worked in various positions at the Defense Department and the State Department.
He was nominated by President Reagan as Deputy Secretary of Defense in 1986 and was later appointed as Secretary of Defense in 1987, succeeding Caspar Weinberger. During Carlucci’s tenure, the United States saw the end of the Cold War and reduced tensions with the Soviet Union. He was recognized for successfully leading the transition of the U.S. military from a Soviet-focused force to a more flexible and broad-based one.
Did You Know?
After leaving the Defense Department, Carlucci continued his work in the private sector as a consultant and chairman of several major corporations.
9. Caspar Weinberger (August 18, 1917 – March 28, 2006)
Age: 88 years, 7 months, 10 days
Time in Office: 6 years, 306 days
Party: Republican
President Serving Under: Ronald Reagan
photo source: NBC News
Caspar Weinberger was a significant figure in American politics, serving as the Secretary of Defense during the Reagan Administration from 1981 to 1987. Born on August 18, 1917, in San Francisco, California, Weinberger began his government career in the 1950s, occupying various positions in the Defense Department and State Department. He was appointed as the Secretary of Defense by President Reagan in 1981 and held the position for six years.
He oversaw significant increases in defense spending and the modernization of the U.S. armed forces, including the development of new weapons systems and the expansion of the country’s military capabilities. Weinberger’s time in office was marked by the beginning of the Cold War and the increasing tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union.
Did You Know?
Weinberger was known for his strong stance on national security and commitment to rebuilding the U.S. military after years of neglect and decline.
8. Donald Rumsfeld (July 9, 1932 – June 29, 2021)
Age: 88 years, 7 months, 19 days
Time in Office: 1 year, 61 days
Party: Republican
President Serving Under: Gerald Ford
photo source: RAND Corporation
Donald Rumsfeld was an American politician and businessman who served as the 21st Secretary of Defense for the United States under Presidents Gerald Ford and George W. Bush. He was born on July 9, 1932, in Chicago, Illinois. Rumsfeld began his political career in the 1960s, serving in various positions in the Nixon administration, including as the U.S. ambassador to NATO.
In 1975, President Gerald Ford appointed him as the Secretary of Defense, making him the youngest person to hold the position at that time. After leaving government service, Rumsfeld worked in the private sector for several decades, including serving as the CEO of several major corporations. In 2001, he was again appointed as Secretary of Defense by President George W. Bush, a position he held until 2006.
Did You Know?
During his second tenure, Rumsfeld was a central figure in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and he was widely criticized for his handling of the conflicts.
7. Robert A. Lovett (September 14, 1895 – May 7, 1986)
Age: 90 years, 11 months, 24 days
Time in Office: 1 year, 125 days
Party: Republican
President Serving Under: Harry S. Truman
photo source: BBH
Robert A. Lovett was a prominent figure in American politics and government during the 20th century. He served as the Secretary of Defense under President Harry S. Truman from 1951 to 1953, and before that, he held positions as the Under Secretary of War and the Secretary of the Air Force. Lovett was known for his extensive knowledge and expertise in defense and national security matters and was instrumental in shaping the military policies of the United States during the early years of the Cold War.
Lovett was widely regarded as a brilliant strategic thinker, and his contributions to the development of the American military are highly valued. He was a key player in several critical decisions that helped to guide the country through some of the most challenging times of the Cold War.
Did You Know?
Lovett graduated from Yale University in 1916 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics.
6. Clark Clifford (December 25, 1906 – October 10, 1998)
Age: 91 years, 9 months, 16 days
Time in Office: 325 days
Party: Democratic
President Serving Under: Lyndon B. Johnson
photo source: Past Daily
Clark Clifford served as the Secretary of Defense under President Lyndon B. Johnson from 1968 to 1969. He had a long and illustrious career in American politics, acting as a top foreign policy advisor to President Harry S. Truman and several other Presidents. As Secretary of Defense, Clifford was instrumental in shaping American policy in Vietnam and was crucial in securing a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Additionally, he strived to modernize the military and improve its relationship with the civilian population. Despite criticism for his handling of the Vietnam War and support of President Johnson’s gradual reduction policy, Clifford’s legacy remains a significant influence in American politics and foreign policy.
Did You Know?
He worked towards de-escalating the war and ending the U.S. military presence in the country.
5. Harold Brown (September 19, 1927 – January 4, 2019)
Age: 91 years, 11 months, 16 days
Time in Office: 4 years, 0 days
Party: Independent
President Serving Under: Jimmy Carter
photo source: The New York Times
Harold Brown served as the Secretary of Defense under President Jimmy Carter from 1977 to 1981. As Secretary of Defense, Brown played a crucial role in shaping American defense policy during a time of significant global change. He was known for his efforts to modernize the U.S. military and to improve its capabilities in the face of new and emerging threats.
During his time in office, Brown also worked to improve relations between the military and the civilian population and to increase the transparency and accountability of the Department of Defense. Despite his many accomplishments and contributions to American defense policy, Brown’s tenure as Secretary of Defense was not without controversy. He faced criticism from some quarters for handling the Carter Administration’s defense policies, particularly about the military’s role in supporting U.S. foreign policy goals.
Did You Know?
Before his appointment, Brown had a distinguished career in science and technology, having served as the director of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and as the Under Secretary of the Air Force.
4. Robert McNamara (June 9, 1916 – July 6, 2009)
Age: 93 years, 0 months, 27 days
Time in Office: 7 years, 39 days
Party: Republican
President Serving Under: John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson
photo source: Wikipedia
Robert McNamara was the Secretary of Defense under Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson from 1961 to 1968. He previously held a high-level position at the Ford Motor Company. As Secretary of Defense, McNamara played a significant role in shaping American defense policy during the Cold War and the Vietnam War.
He was known for advocating a more structured and analytical approach to defense planning, as well as for improving the efficiency of the U.S. military. Despite his efforts to secure a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Vietnam, McNamara’s time in office remains controversial due to his support of President Johnson’s escalation policy. Despite this, his impact as a statesman, businessman, and advisor to Presidents continues to influence American defense policy to this day.
Did You Know?
McNamara began his career as a management consultant with the accounting firm Price Waterhouse and later joined the Ford Motor Company, where he rose to the position of President in 1960.
3. Melvin R. Laird (September 1, 1922 – November 16, 2016)
Age: 94 years, 0 months, 15 days
Time in Office: 4 years, 7 days
Party: Republican
President Serving Under: Richard Nixon
photo source: Wikipedia
Melvin R. Laird was an American politician and government official who served as the Secretary of Defense under President Richard Nixon from 1969 to 1973. Before being appointed Secretary of Defense, Laird had a long and illustrious career in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served as a representative from Wisconsin for over 20 years.
As Secretary of Defense, Laird played a crucial role in shaping American defense policy during a time of significant global change. He was known for his efforts to de-escalate the conflict in Vietnam and to reduce the U.S. military presence in the country. During his time in office, Laird also worked to modernize the military and improve its capabilities in the face of new and emerging threats.
Did You Know?
He served as a consultant and commentator on national security and foreign policy issues and was widely recognized for his expertise in these areas.
2. Bill Clements (April 13, 1917 – May 29, 2011)
Age: 94 years, 1 month, 16 days
Time in Office: 39 days
Party: Republican
President Serving Under: Richard Nixon
photo source: The Texas Tribune
Bill Clements was an American businessman and politician who served as the 46th Governor of Texas from 1979 to 1983 and 1987 to 1991. He was the first Republican governor of Texas since Reconstruction and the first governor in Texas history to be elected to non-consecutive terms. Before his political career, Clements had a successful career in the oil and gas industry. He co-founded SEDCO, an oil drilling company, and served as its CEO for many years.
He later became a top executive at several other oil and gas companies. As governor, Clements was known for his conservative policies and support for business and industry. He strongly advocated for limited government, lower taxes, and a balanced budget. He also played a significant role in modernizing the state government and improving its efficiency.
Did You Know?
After his time as governor, Clements continued to be active in Texas politics and was widely respected as a leader and an expert in the oil and gas industry.
1. William Perry (October 11, 1927 – present)
Age: 95 years, 3 months, 0 days
Time in Office: 2 years, 356 days
Party: Independent
President Serving Under: Bill Clinton
photo source: Politico
William Perry was an American statesman and government official who served as the Secretary of Defense under President Bill Clinton from 1994 to 1997. At the age of 95 years old, Perry is considered the oldest US secretary of defense who ever lived. Before being appointed Secretary of Defense, Perry had a long and illustrious career in government and academia, including serving as the Deputy Secretary of Defense.
As Secretary of Defense, Perry played a significant role in shaping American defense policy during a time of rapid change and upheaval in the international community. He was known for his efforts to reduce the size of the U.S. military and to reform the defense procurement process and for his advocacy of a more cooperative approach to international security issues.
Did You Know?
He also served as the Director of Defense Research and Engineering and as a professor of engineering at Stanford University.
