Germany, as the Assistant Division Commander (Support). He commanded Multinational Brigade East in Kosovo for six months in 2002 before being assigned to United States European Command in January 2003 as the Deputy Director of Operations. In June 2004, Lute began more than two years as Director of Operations (J-3) at United States Central Command (USCENTCOM), during which he oversaw combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as other operations in the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Horn of Africa. He was appointed to the rank of major general in 2004, and to the rank of lieutenant general in 2006. He assumed the duties of Director of Operations, the Joint Staff, in September 2006. National Security Council On June 28, 2007, the Senate confirmed Lute to serve as the Deputy National Security Advisor. He remained in the position after his retirement from active duty in 2010. On 10 August 2007, Lute stated that the United States should "consider" reinstating the military draft to relieve the "stressed" volunteer service from multiple tours of duty. This was immediately followed by a comment that it would be a major policy shift and that he did not see a current need for a draft. Awards and decorations During his military career he received: Defense Superior Service Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters) Legion of Merit (with Oak Leaf Cluster) Bronze Star Medal Defense Meritorious Service Medal Meritorious Service Medal (with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters) Joint Service Commendation Medal Army Commendation Medal (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters) Army Achievement Medal Parachutist Badge Ranger Tab Office of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge Army Staff Identification Badge Lobbying In January 2021, Lute joined BGR Group to chair its international and defense practices. References External links Text adapted from public domain Joint Chiefs of Staff biography Douglas Lute at SourceWatch Permanent Representatives of the United States to NATO United States Army generals United States Military Academy alumni Harvard Kennedy School alumni People from Michigan City, Indiana Living people Recipients of the Legion of Merit 1952 births George W. Bush administration personnel Obama administration personnel