2023 Hall of Fame Inductee
The Citdael (1989)
Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Francis M. Beaudette was born on April 24, in Quebec, Canada.
He attended The Citadel where Beaudette studied Modern Languages and completed the Army ROTC program. Beaudette commissioned in 1989 as a military intelligence officer. During this time, he served as a battalion assistant S-2, M1A1 crewmember, and armor platoon leader in Germany, Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
Six years later, Beaudette completed Special Forces Training. His first assignment was to the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) where he commanded two Special Forces Detachments, commanded the Group Headquarters Company, and served as the Group assistant S-3. He then served as the aide-de-camp to the commanding general of the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School and went on to serve as aide-de-camp to the deputy commanding general of Kosovo Forces.
After completing his assignment as an aide-de-camp, Beaudette served as a company commander, battalion operations officer, and battalion executive officer with the 10th SFG (A) at Fort Carson, Colorado.
Following a tour on the Joint Staff in the J3 Deputy Directorate for Special Operations, Beaudette commanded 1st Battalion, 10th SFG (A) in Germany and Special Operations Task Force 10 in Afghanistan. He then served as the G3 and chief of staff for the U.S. Army Special Forces Command (Airborne) prior to commanding the 1st SFG (A) and the Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines. Beaudette then served as the executive officer to the commander, United States Special Operations Command. Beaudette served as the deputy commanding general, 1st Armored Division and Director of CENTCOM Forward (Jordan). He then served with Joint Special Operations Command as the assistant commanding general. Beaudette also served with 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne), where he served as the commanding general.
His last assignment in uniform was as the Commanding General of U.S. Army Special Operations Command from June 2018 until September 2021. Following this, Beaudette retired after 32 years of service.
Beaudette’s military honors and awards include the Army Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal (with 2 oak leaf clusters), Legion of Merit (with 3 oak leaf clusters) and the Bronze Star Medal (with 3 oak leaf clusters).
About the Army ROTC Hall of Fame
The ROTC Hall of Fame was established in 2016 as part of the ROTC Centennial celebration. The first class (2016) inducted 326 former ROTC Cadets who had distinguished themselves in their military or civilian career.
The Hall of Fame honors graduates of the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps who have distinguished themselves in military or civilian pursuits. It provides a prestigious and tangible means of recognizing and honoring Army ROTC Alumni who have made lasting, significant contributions to the Nation, the Army and the history and traditions of the Army ROTC Program.
Read more about the 2023 Hall of Fame Inductees.
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