Who Is Robert Gates? Age, Biography and Wiki
Robert Gates, born on September 25, 1943, is a distinguished American public servant known for his pivotal role in U.S. national security. As the 22nd Secretary of Defense from 2006 to 2011, Gates served under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. In 2025, at the age of 81, Gates continues to hold significant influence in political and defense circles. His contributions to policy-making and international relations remain vital as he addresses the evolving challenges of global diplomacy.
For more details on his life and career, you can visit his Wikipedia page.
| Occupation | Republicans |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 25, 1943 |
| Age | 81 Years |
| Birth Place | Wichita, Kansas, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Robert Gates's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As of 2025, Robert Gates is reported to be approximately 6 feet (183 cm) tall. His weight is around 180 pounds (82 kg). Given his status and age, Gates maintains a dignified posture, reflective of his years in public service. Though the specifics of his body measurements are not publicly available, his health and appearance remain a topic of interest among fans and followers.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Robert Gates has been married to Rebecca Gates since 1967, and the couple has two children together. As a family-oriented individual, Gates values his relationships and often prioritizes them alongside his professional commitments. There are no public indications of any boyfriend or girlfriend outside of his marriage, reaffirming his commitment to his long-term spouse.
Gates was the interim dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University from 1999 to 2001. On August 1, 2002, he became the 22nd president of Texas A&M.
As the university president, Gates made progress in four key areas of the university's "Vision 2020" plan, a plan to become one of the top 10 public universities by 2020.
The four key areas include improving student diversity, increasing the size of the faculty, building new academic facilities, and enriching the undergraduate and graduate education experience.
During his tenure, Gates encouraged the addition of 440 new faculty positions and a $300 million campus construction program, and saw increases in minority enrollment. On February 2, 2007, Gates was conferred the title of president emeritus by unanimous vote of the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents.
Gates and his wife Becky received honorary doctoral degrees from Texas A&M on August 10, 2007.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Robert Gates's net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. His wealth primarily stems from his salary as Secretary of Defense, along with various consultancy roles and contributions to think tanks. Gates has also authored several books, adding to his income through literary advancements and public speaking engagements.
"In the past, I've worried openly about NATO turning into a two-tiered alliance: Between members who specialize in 'soft' humanitarian, development, peacekeeping and talking tasks, and those conducting the 'hard' combat missions.
Between those willing and able to pay the price and bear the burdens of alliance commitments, and those who enjoy the benefits of NATO membership—be they security guarantees or headquarters billets—but don't want to share the risks and the costs. This is no longer a hypothetical worry. We are there today. And it is unacceptable.
The blunt reality is that there will be dwindling appetite and patience in the U.S. Congress—and in the American body politic writ large—to expend increasingly precious funds on behalf of nations that are apparently unwilling to devote the necessary resources or make the necessary changes to be serious and capable partners in their own defense.
Nations apparently willing and eager for American taxpayers to assume the growing security burden left by reductions in European defense budgets. Indeed, if current trends in the decline of European defense capabilities are not halted and reversed, future U.S.
political leaders—those for whom the Cold War was not the formative experience that it was for me—may not consider the return on America's investment in NATO worth the cost."
Career, Business and Investments
Robert Gates's career spans over five decades in public service, academia, and finance. After leaving the Pentagon, he joined the boards of prominent companies and institutes, including significant roles at the intelligence community and non-profit organizations focused on education and security. Gates is recognized for advocating reform in military and intelligence practices, and he continues to consult on international defense strategies.
In addition to his public sector endeavors, Gates occasionally invests in startup technologies, particularly in areas related to defense innovations. His involvement in various philanthropic organizations shows a commitment beyond financial gains, focusing on substantial societal impact.
Robert Michael Gates (born September 25, 1943) is an American intelligence analyst and university president who served as the 22nd United States secretary of defense from 2006 to 2011. He was appointed by President George W. Bush and retained by President Barack Obama.
Gates began his career serving as an officer in the United States Air Force but was quickly recruited by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Gates served for twenty-six years in the CIA and at the National Security Council, and was director of central intelligence under President George H. W. Bush from 1991 to 1993.
After leaving the CIA, Gates became president of Texas A&M University and was a member of several corporate boards. Gates served as a member of the Iraq Study Group, the bipartisan commission co-chaired by James A. Baker III and Lee H. Hamilton that studied the lessons of the Iraq War.
Social Network
Despite his stature, Robert Gates maintains a relatively low social media profile. He prefers traditional media outlets for discussions and engagements rather than popular social networking sites. However, he is often featured in interviews and discussions across platforms such as Twitter and LinkedIn, especially in contexts related to his expertise in defense and security.
Gates was an early subject of Independent Counsel's investigation, but the investigation of Gates intensified in the spring of 1991 as part of a larger inquiry into the Iran–Contra activities of CIA officials. This investigation received an additional impetus in May 1991, when President George H. W.
Bush nominated Gates to be Director of Central Intelligence (DCI). The chairman and vice chairman of the United States Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI) requested, in a letter to the independent counsel on May 15, 1991, any information that would "significantly bear on the fitness" of Gates for the CIA post.
Education
Gates's educational background is impressive, as he holds a Bachelor’s degree in History from the College of William & Mary, where he graduated in 1965. He later obtained a Master's degree in History from Indiana University and a Doctorate in History from Georgetown University. Gates's academic rigor laid the foundation for his extensive career in intelligence and defense.
Since leaving the Obama administration, Gates was elected president of the Boy Scouts of America, served as Chancellor of the College of William & Mary, and served as a member on several corporate boards. In 2012, Gates was elected as a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration.
