Ricky L. Waddell
Ricky Lynn Waddell (born 31 October 1959) is a retired lieutenant general in the United States Army Reserve who last served as the Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2018 to 2021. He served as a Deputy National Security Advisor to President Donald Trump from 2017 to 2018. His promotion to lieutenant general was authorized by the United States Senate on 26 September 2019. He retired on 1 October 2021. Early life. Waddell attended the United States Military Academy, graduating in 1982 with a degree of Bachelor of Science. Military career. Waddell  became an Engineer Officer with 15th Engineer Battalion, then the 9th Infantry Division as a Platoon Leader and Battalion Maintenance Officer. With Joint Task Force Bravo at Soto Cano (Palmerola) Air Base, Comayagua, Honduras, he served as the JTF Engineer. In the 35th Engineer Battalion, he served as the Commander C Company. He returned to the United States Military Academy as an instructor in the Department of Social Sciences. He subsequently served as Director for European Security Affairs on the National Security Council. Waddell has been an Active Reserve officer, filling the following roles: A special retirement review was held  for Waddell at Conmy Hall, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall on 13 August 2021. He is set to vacate his role as assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the end of September 2021, with his retirement effective on 1 October 2021. Civilian career. Waddell spent 17 years working in South America. His roles included Managing Director for South America, BG Group (oil and gas) and Chief Executive Officer, Anglo Ferrous Metals in Brazil. During this period, he lived for 12 years in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Waddell ran the Keystone, Capstone, and Pinnacle programs as a  civilian employee of the Department of Defense at the National Defense University, Washington, D.C. Deputy National Security Advisor. In early May 2017, Waddell was reportedly named as the White House's Deputy National Security Advisor, following K. T. McFarland, to serve under Lieutenant General H. R. McMaster, National Security Advisor. Waddell's appointment was blocked, initially, by White House Chief of Staff, Reince Priebus. The announcement was made official on 19 May 2017. On 12 April 2018, the White House announced that Waddell would leave in the coming weeks. His departure happened shortly after John R. Bolton's appointment as  National Security Advisor. Waddell was one of several officials who left at Bolton's request. Education. Waddell has received the following degrees: Publications. Waddell has written four historical military books, dealing with his Latin America and Army experiences: Waddell has also published various journal articles, including: