Mr. Michael S. Linnington was appointed by Secretary of Defense Ash Carter on June 19, 2015, as the first permanent Director of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), following his retirement as a Lieutenant General from the United States Army. He is responsible for all aspects of accounting for the nation’s missing personnel from past conflicts including policy, control, and oversight. In this capacity, he leads the entire process of research, investigation, recovery, and identification in order to provide the fullest possible accounting of our missing personnel to their families and to the nation.
Prior to his retirement, Mr. Linnington served as the Military Deputy to the Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel and Readiness) from 2013 to 2015. From 2011 to 2013, he served as the Commanding General, Military District of Washington and Commander, Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region. Leading up to his assignment to the National Capital Region, Linnington held General Officer positions of responsibility as Deputy Commanding General, Fort Benning, Ga.; Commandant of Cadets, United States Military Academy, West Point, N.Y.; and in Kabul, Afghanistan (International Security Assistance Force Joint Command).
Mr. Linnington’s 35-year military career included duties in key command and staff positions worldwide. He served on the Army Staff, The Joint Staff, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense’s Staff. Mr. Linnington’s combat experience included command of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division in support of both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Read More