David Rodriguez is employed as a Senior Fellow for the National Defense University in support of the Pinnacle, Capstone, and Keystone programs.
General Rodriguez served over 40 years in the United States Army with his final assignment being the Commander of the United States Africa Command.
A native of West Chester Pennsylvania, he earned his commission from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York in 1976. General Rodriguez has commanded at every level to include Commanding General of Army Forces Command, Commander of the International Security Assistance Force - Joint Command in Afghanistan, Commander of the 82nd Airborne Division in Afghanistan, Commander of the Multi - National Force North West in Iraq, 2nd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, and 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).
He commanded companies in the 75th Ranger Regiment and the 1st Armored Division. His commands included 4 years in combat at the 2 and 3 star level. He also served as the Senior Military Advisor to Secretary of Defense Gates as a 3 star. His education includes a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the United States Naval War College and a Master of Military Art and Science from the United States Army Command and General Staff College.
Since his retirement from the US Army, General Rodriguez operates DMR Consulting LLC, a Strategic Consultant Business. He continues to support the US Army with Strategic Leadership Training at the Army War College for 2 and 3 star Army Leaders. He belongs to three Boards, the President of the Angel Wings for Veterans Board, a member of the Creative Associates International Global Advisory Board, and a member of the Leadworthy Foundation Advisory Board. General Rodriguez also provides Strategic Consulting Services to McChrystal Group LLC and Odell International LLC. He has also contributed his expertise to Harvard, University of Indiana, Rand Corporation and African Center for Strategic Studies.
He is married to the former Virginia E. Flaherty of Red Bank, New Jersey. They have four children, Amy, Melissa, David, and Andrew and four grandchildren, Eliza, Amelia, Molly, and Abe.
General Rodriguez retired in 2017.