Ralph Baker (general)

Ralph Otto Baker Jr. is a 1978 graduate of Aberdeen High School.[3]

He then attended the United States Military Academy and received a bachelor's degree in 1982.[4] He later earned master's degrees from Central Michigan University and the Naval War College.[4]

During his Army career, Baker graduated from the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the Combined Arms Services Staff School, and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.[3] He also attended the Airborne, Ranger, Pathfinder, Jumpmaster, Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle and Joint Firepower Control courses.[3]

Baker was commissioned a second lieutenant of infantry after graduating from West Point.[4] His assignments included service with the 82nd Airborne Division during its deployment to Grenada. Among his postings were: 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment; 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment; 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized); Deputy G3, V Corps, Heidelberg, Germany.[3]

Additional assignments included Tactical Officer at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, United Kingdom; Aide-de-Camp to the commanding general, I Corps and Fort Lewis; and deputy director for Politico-Military Affairs, J-5 – Middle East, Strategic Plans and Policy, on the Joint Staff.[3] Baker participated in 87 parachute jumps.[3]

He commanded 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment and 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division.[3][4]

After becoming a brigadier general, Baker served as Deputy Commanding General, United States Division – Center in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn.[3] At the time of his promotion to major general, he was vice director for Joint Force Development (J7) on the Joint Staff at the Pentagon.[3]

After receiving his second star, Baker served as commander of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa from 2012 until he retired in 2013.[2] Because he did not have enough time in grade as a major general, Baker's retired rank was brigadier general.[2]

He was relieved of his command in March, 2013, following allegations of sexual misconduct.[2] During an investigation, soldiers serving under Baker at Camp Lemonnier said he had a history of heavy drinking.[2] He paid a fine, was demoted to brigadier general, and retired in September, 2013.[2]

Baker was employed as Director of Strategic Initiatives for SOS International, LLC.[5] He later worked as Managing Director for Southern Development Ltd. (SODEVCO),a company seeking to develop fuel and mineral processing enterprises in countries including Afghanistan.

Baker's awards include:[3]

• Defense Superior Service Medal
• Legion of Merit
• Bronze Star Medal with three oak leaf clusters and "V" device
• Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters
• Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters
• National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star
• Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
• Iraq Campaign Medal
• Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
• Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
• Ranger tab
• Combat Infantryman Badge (2nd Award)
• Master Parachutist Badge
• British Parachutist Badge