Entered Service: June 1958

On January 20, 2001, Colin L. Powell became the first African American to be appointed to the position of Secretary of State. Before becoming Secretary of State, Powell served 35 years in the Army, achieving the rank of General and serving as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Powell began his military career in the ROTC program at the City College of New York and received his commission upon graduation in June 1958. Currently, Secretary Powell uses both his military and diplomatic skills in representing our country and its interests in the Global War on Terrorism. The Secretary has also led the State Department in major efforts to solve regional and civil conflicts throughout the world, enhance U.S. trade and business, and fight global infectious disease around the world, especially the HIV/AIDS pandemic.