Quick Facts
Biography
Joseph Albert Benkert is an American citizen who served as an officer in the United States Navy, and as an appointed official in the George W. Bush Administration. He joined the Cohen Group in 2009 after serving as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Global Security Affairs. Benkert currently serves on the board of International Relief and Development Inc.
Benkert is notable for testifying before the United States Congress.
Personal life
Joseph Benkert is married to Gail, and together have two children Stephen and Suzanne.
Naval career
Captain Joseph A. Benkert was named in the lawsuit David Alan Carmichael v. United States.Benkert was Carmichael's commanding officer, and, according to Carmichael's complaint, Benkert's subordinate suppressed written communications intended for Benkert.The failure of the Navy to properly process the religious accommodation request eventually led to the service member's dismissal without proper cause.
Forum participant evaluating Iraqi reconstruction
In March 2007 Benkert participated in a forum evaluating the problems that plagued American efforts to help reconstruct Iraq.
Congressional testimony on the use of gas
On September 27, 2006, while serving as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Policy, Benkert testified before the Senate Committee on Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support. Executive Order 11850, signed in 1975, proscribed the USA from using chemical weapons. According to Benkert, it was the position of the Bush Presidency that riot control agents, like tear gas, should not be considered chemical weapons.
Congressional testimony on Guantanamo captives
In early May 2007 Benkert and two other officials testified before Congress that 30 released Guantanamo captives had returned to the battlefield.
Press releases
On May 9, 2007 Benkert was quoted on the future of the Guantanamo detainees:
Neither the president nor the secretary has said we're going to close it tomorrow, ... There are no readily available facilities to take these guys,
On April 11, 2007 Benkert was quoted commenting on a facility in southwestern Siberia to destroy American and former Soviet era nerve gas.
