Douglas Lute
Lt. Gen. Douglas Edward Lute (born November 3, 1952) is a retired United States Army lieutenant general and public servant who served as the United States permanent representative to NATO from 2013 to 2017. He was nominated for the post by President Obama on May 23, 2013, confirmed by the Senate on August 1, 2013 by voice vote, and assumed his position on September 3, 2013.
Lieutenant General Douglas Lute | |
|---|---|
| 21st United States Ambassador to NATO | |
| In office September 3, 2013 – January 20, 2017 | |
| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Ivo Daalder |
| Succeeded by | Kay Bailey Hutchison |
| United States Deputy National Security Advisor for Iraq and Afghanistan | |
| In office May 15, 2007 – September 3, 2013 | |
| President | George W. Bush Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Position abolished |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 3, 1952 Michigan City, Indiana, U.S. |
| Spouse | Jane Holl |
| Alma mater | United States Military Academy (BS) Harvard Kennedy School (MPA) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1975–2010 |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Awards | Defense Superior Service Medal (4) Legion of Merit (2) Bronze Star Medal |
On May 15, 2007, Lute was appointed by George W. Bush to serve as assistant to the president and deputy national security advisor for Iraq and Afghanistan. The New York Times referred to him as the "War Czar," since he occupied a senior advisory position responsible for overseeing the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was asked to stay on by new President Barack Obama as Obama's special assistant and senior coordinator for Afghanistan and Pakistan. After leaving active duty in 2010, Lute remained in his position on the National Security Staff. He is married to Jane Holl Lute, who was the deputy secretary of homeland security from 2009 to 2013.