Michael Lee Oates[1] (born August 29, 1957)[2] is a retired United States Army lieutenant general from San Antonio, Texas.

Oates was promoted to lieutenant general on 30 December 2009 and assumed duties as Director, Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization.

[3] His wife Barbara is from San Angelo, Texas and they have three daughters; Katherine, Elizabeth and Margaret.

Oates was commissioned as an infantry officer following his graduation from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York in 1979.

Oates holds a master's degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the United States Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island.