As the USSOCOM commander, Clarke oversaw the nation's elite special operations forces and played a pivotal role in shaping U.S. military strategy in various global theaters.

Prior to assuming command of USSOCOM, Clarke served as Director for Strategic Plans and Policy (J5), Joint Staff, the Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia.

He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, and commissioned into the Infantry Branch in 1984.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from West Point and a Master of Business Administration from Benedictine College.

His most recent assignments include serving as the Director for Strategic Plans and Policy (J5), Joint Staff, the Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia.