Mike Waltz: From Green Beret to Diplomat – A Comprehensive Profile

Michael George Glen Waltz, born on January 31, 1974, in Boynton Beach, Florida, is a distinguished American figure known for his multifaceted career as a military officer, politician, author, and diplomat. His journey from the battlefields of Afghanistan to the corridors of power in Washington, D.C., exemplifies a life dedicated to public service and national security.

Early Life and Education

Raised by a single mother in Jacksonville, Florida, Waltz's early life was marked by resilience and determination. He graduated from Stanton College Preparatory School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in international studies from the Virginia Military Institute in 1996, graduating with honors as a Distinguished Military Graduate.

Military Career

Waltz's military service is a cornerstone of his identity. Commissioned as an armor officer in the U.S. Army in 1996, he later graduated from Ranger School and the Special Forces Qualification Course, joining the elite Green Berets. His service included multiple combat tours in Afghanistan, the Middle East, and Africa, earning him four Bronze Stars, two of which were for valor. He retired from the Army National Guard in 2025 with the rank of colonel.

Entry into Politics

Transitioning from military to political life, Waltz served in the Pentagon as a defense policy director and as a counterterrorism advisor to Vice President Dick Cheney during the George W. Bush administration. In 2018, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Florida's 6th congressional district, becoming the first Green Beret to serve in Congress. He was re-elected in 2020, 2022, and 2024, consistently securing over 60% of the vote.

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Congressional Tenure

During his time in Congress, Waltz was known for his hawkish stance on foreign policy, particularly concerning China and Afghanistan. He served on several key committees, including Armed Services, Foreign Affairs, and Intelligence. As Chair of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness, he played a significant role in shaping defense policy.

National Security Advisor

In November 2024, President Donald Trump appointed Waltz as the National Security Advisor. His tenure, however, was short-lived. In May 2025, he was removed from the position following a controversy known as "Signalgate," where a journalist was inadvertently included in a secure chat discussing military operations in Yemen. Despite the incident, Trump praised Waltz's service and nominated him as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.

Ambassador to the United Nations

As of May 2025, Waltz awaits confirmation as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. His nomination reflects a continued trust in his capabilities to represent U.S. interests on the global stage, despite the challenges faced during his brief tenure as National Security Advisor.

Waltz has been a vocal critic of the Chinese Communist Party, describing the U.S.-China relationship as a "Cold War." He was the first member of Congress to call for a full U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, citing human rights abuses against Uyghurs.

Afghanistan

A staunch advocate for a sustained U.S. presence in Afghanistan, Waltz opposed the withdrawal of troops, arguing that a long-term strategy was necessary to combat extremist ideologies.

Russia and Ukraine

Initially supportive of Ukraine, Waltz's stance evolved over time, advocating for a more strategic approach to U.S. involvement, emphasizing the need for negotiations and a focus on broader national security interests.

Business Ventures and Authorship

Beyond his military and political careers, Waltz co-founded Metis Solutions, an analytics and training company acquired in 2020 for $92 million. He is also the author of "Warrior Diplomat: A Green Beret's Battles from Washington to Afghanistan," detailing his experiences in both military and diplomatic arenas.

Personal Life

Waltz is a father of three and continues to be actively involved in issues concerning veterans and national security. His life story serves as an example of dedication to public service across multiple domains.

Conclusion

Mike Waltz's journey from a Green Beret to a prominent political figure underscores a career marked by service, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to national security. As he transitions to his role as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, his experiences and perspectives will continue to shape U.S. foreign policy in the years to come.