Background
Cartwright, James E. was born on September 22, 1949 in Rockford, Illinois, United States.
Cartwright, James E. was born on September 22, 1949 in Rockford, Illinois, United States.
Graduate, University Iowa, 1971. Graduate, Naval Flight School, 1973. Graduate with distinction, Air Command and Staff College, 1986.
Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Study, Naval War College, 1991.
Commissioned Second lieutenant United States Marine Corps, 1971, advanced through grades to general, 2004. Line division officer VMFA-333 United States Ship NIMITZ, 1975—1977. Aircraft maintenance officer VMFA-235, 1979—1982.
Administration officer, officer-in-charge deployed carrier operations VMFAT-101, 1983—1985. Assistant program manager for engineering F/A 18 Naval Air Systems Command, 1986—1989. Commander Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12, Iwakuni, Japan, 1989-1990, Marine Aircraft Group 24, Kanoehe Bay, Hawaii, 1991-1992.
Deputy aviation plans, policy, and budgets Marine Headquarters, Washington, 1992-1994. Fellow Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1994. Commander Marine Aircraft Group 31, 1994-1996.
Assigned to Director Force Structure, Resources, and Assessment, The Joint Staff, Washington, 1996-1997, deputy director, 1997-1998. Deputy Commander United States Marine Corps Forces Atlantic, 1999—2000. Commanding general 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, 2000—2002.
Director, force structure, resources & assessment (J-8) The Joint Staff, The Pentagon, 2002—2004. Commander United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), Offutt Air Force Base, 2004—2007. Vice chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff, United States Department Defense, Washington, since 2007.
Chairman Joint Requirements Oversight Council. Co-chairman Defense Acquisition Board, Deputies Advisory Working Group. Member National Security Council Deputies Committee, Nuclear Weapons Council, Missile Defense Executive Board.