He was sworn in at the Pentagon in July 1987 and served until his term ended four years later in June 1991.

[1] Gates entered the United States Army at the height of the Cold War on August 12, 1958, and attended initial training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.

Later as a member of the 101st Airborne Division, he and his unit were called on by President John F. Kennedy to enforce racial integration at southern universities.

Gates served in numerous noncommissioned officer leadership positions, including as first Commandant of the 24th Infantry Division NCO Academy at Fort Stewart, Georgia.

[3] This article incorporates public domain material from Elder, Daniel K (2003).