Derrick M. Anderson | |
|---|---|
 Official portrait, 2026 | |
| Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict | |
| Assumed office December 29, 2025[1] | |
| President | Donald Trump |
| Preceded by | Christopher Maier |
| ActingAssistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower and Reserve Affairs) | |
| In office April 9, 2025 – December 29, 2025 | |
| President | Donald Trump |
| Preceded by | Agnes Gereben Schaefer |
| Succeeded by | Christopher M. Sims (acting) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Derrick M. Anderson (1984-08-04)August 4, 1984 (age 41) Wheeling, West Virginia, U.S. |
| Party | Republican |
| Alma mater | Virginia Tech (BA)Georgetown University Law Center (J.D) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Army |
| Years of service | 2006–present |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Unit | United States Army Special Forces |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards | Bronze Star Medal Meritorious Service Medal Afghanistan Campaign Medal Army Commendation Medal (5) NATO Medal |
Derrick M. Anderson (born August 4, 1984) is an American politician, lawyer, and military officer. He serves asAssistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict since his confirmation on December 18, 2025.[2] He is previously the Republican Party nominee forVirginia's 7th congressional district in2024 election.[3]
Anderson is a FormerArmy Green Beret and is currently served as aLieutenant Colonel inUnited States Army. He previously served as a ActingAssistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower and Reserve Affairs) from April 9, 2025 to December 18, 2025.
Anderson was born inWheeling, West Virginia and raised inSpotsylvania County, Virginia.He graduated fromVirginia Tech with a BA in political science. He also received aJD fromGeorgetown University Law Center.
In 2006, Anderson commissioned as asecond lieutenant inUnited States Army into the infantry. Anderson later graduated fromRanger School. He became a platoon leader in the3rd Infantry Division in their deployment in Iraq. Anderson was selected forUnited States Army Special Forces where he later served as an A-Team commander. He deployed in several countries in theMiddle East, including in Afghanistan. He was also the ground commander when2014 Gaza Valley airstrike occurred and five American soldiers were killed in afriendly fire incident.[4]
USAF GeneralJeffrey L. Harrigian blamed Anderson for the incident, however, Anderson was later cleared and faced no military action related the incident.[5]
In 2025, Anderson married fellow Army officer Major Margaret Romanin.
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