Mark A. Schafer is a United States Navy rear admiral who currently serves as Commanding General, Special Operations Joint Task Force-South, United States Southern Command . Schafer recently served as Commander, United States Naval Forces Korea from Sept 2021 to Sept 2023.
Navy career Schafer attended the United States Naval Academy, graduating in 1994 and was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy. Schafer volunteered for Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training (BUD/S) at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. After six months of training, Schafer graduated with BUD/S class 197 in 1995. His first operational assignment was with SEAL Team TWO as assistant platoon commander. Following SEAL Tactical Training (STT) and completion of six month probationary period, he received the 1130 designator as a Naval Special Warfare Officer, entitled to wear the Special Warfare insignia. Schafer later served as platoon commander with SEAL Team FOUR. In 2001 Schafer volunteered for assignment to Naval Special Warfare Development Group (NSWDG) in Damneck, Virginia and completed a specialized selection and training course. Schafer served as troop commander till 2004 where he planned, rehearsed and operated during classified exercises and operations including deployments to Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. Schafer earned a master's degree in Business Administration at the Naval Postgraduate School in 2009. Schafer's Naval Special Warfare (NSW) staff and command assignments include Operations officer, Joint Special Operations Command; Executive officer and Squadron Commander, Tactical Development and Evaluation Squadron THREE, NSWDG; Director of Selection and Training, NSWDG; Commanding officer, Naval Special Warfare Basic Training Command; Deputy Commander, Naval Special Warfare Development Group; Commanding officer, Naval Special Warfare Group TWO; Director of Operations J3, Joint Special Operations Command.
Awards and decorations
BadgeSEAL Insignia1st RowDefense Superior Service Medal2nd RowLegion of Merit Medal w/ gold award starBronze Star with Combat "V" and 4 award starsDefense Meritorious Service Medal w/ 4 oak leaf cluster3rd RowMeritorious Service Medal w/ 1 award starJoint Service Commendation MedalNavy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal4th RowCombat Action RibbonNavy Presidential Unit Citation w/ 1 bronze service starJoint Meritorious Unit Award 5th RowNavy Unit CommendationNavy Meritorious Unit Commendation6th RowNational Defense Service Medal w/ 1 service starArmed Forces Expeditionary Medal7th RowAfghanistan Campaign Medal w/ campaign starGlobal War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal8th RowGlobal War on Terrorism Service MedalSea Service Deployment Ribbon w/ 7 service starsOverseas Service Ribbon9th rowNATO Medal for the former YugoslaviaRifle Marksmanship MedalPistol Marksmanship MedalBadge BadgeNaval Parachutist insignia
References