Who Is William H. McRaven? Age, Biography, and Wiki
William H. McRaven was born on November 6, 1955, which makes him 69 years old as of 2025. He is a retired four-star Admiral in the United States Navy and a former Navy SEAL. McRaven gained prominence for his leadership in various high-profile operations, including the raid that killed Osama bin Laden. He is also recognized for his contributions to military strategy and leadership principles, which he shared in his bestselling book, Make Your Bed, and during his TEDx talk, which became one of the most viewed talks in history.
| Occupation | Service |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 6, 1955 |
| Age | 69 Years |
| Birth Place | Pinehurst, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
William H. McRaven's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
William H. McRaven stands at a height of approximately 6 feet (183 cm). While specific details about his weight are less frequently discussed, he maintains a fit and active lifestyle reflective of his Navy SEAL background. His measurements, including his fitness regime, contribute to his enduring public persona as a disciplined leader.
After graduating from The University of Texas at Austin, McRaven was commissioned as an officer (Ensign) in the U.S. Navy and volunteered for Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training (BUD/S). After six months of training, McRaven graduated with BUD/S class 95 in January 1978.
Following completion of a six-month probationary period, he received the 1130 designator as a Naval Special Warfare Officer, entitled to wear the Special Warfare insignia. As a Navy SEAL officer, McRaven was deployed to the Philippines with Naval Special Warfare Unit One in 1979 and 1981.
In 1982, as a junior officer, McRaven received assignment to SEAL Team Six in Dam Neck, Virginia under the command of CDR Richard Marcinko and completed a specialized selection and training course.
McRaven served as assault team leader but was relieved of duty in 1983 due to McRaven's concerns about military discipline, and difficulties in keeping his sailors in line at the command. Richard Marcinko fired the 27-year-old McRaven in 1983. "He was a bright guy, but he didn't like my rude and crude way," Marcinko said.
"If I was a loose cannon, he was too rigid. He took the special out of special warfare." McRaven was transferred to another east coast based SEAL team.
McRaven served numerous staff and command assignments within the special operations community, including platoon commander at Underwater Demolition Team 21/SEAL Team Four, squadron commander at Naval Special Warfare Development Group, executive officer of SEAL Team ONE, task unit commander during the Persian Gulf War, task group commander in the CE
NTCOM area of responsibility, commanding officer of SEAL Team THREE from 1994 to 1996, deputy commander for operations at JSOC, commanding officer of Naval Special Warfare Group ONE from 1999 to 2001.
In early 2001 McRaven suffered a broken pelvis in a parachute accident during a training exercise. McRaven earned a Master of Arts degree at the Naval Postgraduate School in 1993. McRaven's thesis was titled "The Theory of Special Operations" (republished in 1995 as Spec Ops: Case Studies in Special Operations Warfare: Theory and Practice).
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
While much of his public life is well-documented, William H. McRaven has chosen to keep his personal relationships relatively private. He is married to Georgeann McRaven, and the couple has three children together. As of 2025, there have been no public reports of any extramarital relationships, and McRaven continues to uphold a positive family image.
He is the son of Anna Elizabeth (Long) and Col. Claude C. McRaven, a Spitfire fighter pilot in World War II who played briefly in the NFL, and has two older sisters. His father, a career Air Force officer, was stationed at Pope Air Force Base, now known as Pope Field and part of Fort Bragg.
His family moved to Texas while he was in elementary school and settled in San Antonio. McRaven attended Theodore Roosevelt High School where he took part in track.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, William H. McRaven's estimated net worth is around $10 million. This wealth stems from his successful military career, books, speaking engagements, and other entrepreneurial ventures. His salary from various roles, including his tenure as Chancellor of the University of Texas System, has contributed significantly to his financial portfolio.
Career, Business, and Investments
McRaven's career spans multiple decades, during which he has held pivotal commands within the U.S. Navy and contributed to national security strategy. After retiring from military service, he became the Chancellor of the University of Texas System from 2015 until 2020. His business endeavors include consulting and public speaking, where he leverages his leadership expertise. McRaven's investments are believed to be diverse, focusing on professional development and education.
On April 6, 2011, McRaven was nominated by President Barack Obama for promotion from the rank of vice admiral to admiral and appointed as the ninth commander of USSOCOM, of which JSOC is a component.
Social Network
In today's digital age, William H. McRaven has established a presence on several social media platforms. He is most active on Twitter, where he shares insights on leadership, veterans' issues, and educational initiatives. His following continues to grow, thanks to his engaging personality and the relevance of his messages.
- Twitter: @WilliamHMCRaven
- LinkedIn: William H. McRaven — for professional networking and connections.
In August 2018, McRaven expressed support for former CIA Director John O. Brennan, whose security clearance had recently been revoked by the Trump administration. He authored an open letter to President Donald Trump in The Washington Post entitled "Revoke my security clearance, too, Mr.
President", in which he affirmed his regard for Brennan, his former colleague, and offered criticism of the decisions and personal behavior of President Trump. McRaven said of Brennan, "He is a man of unparalleled integrity, whose honesty and character have never been in question ...
except by those who don't know him." Of Trump, McRaven wrote, "Through your actions, you have embarrassed us in the eyes of our children, humiliated us on the world stage and, worst of all, divided us as a nation."
Education
McRaven is an alumnus of the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a bachelor's degree in radio-television-film. He later attended the Naval Postgraduate School, earning a master's degree in national security affairs. His solid educational foundation has been instrumental in shaping his military and leadership approaches throughout his esteemed career.
William Harry McRaven (born November 6, 1955) is a retired United States Navy four-star admiral who served as the ninth commander of the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) from August 8, 2011 to August 28, 2014. From 2015 to 2018, he was the chancellor of The University of Texas System.
