The administration of Donald Trump has nominated retired Brigadier General Ronald Johnson as the new United States ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Johnson’s nomination was submitted to the United States Senate along with proposals for ambassadorial candidates to other countries. The information was published on the official website of the White House.
Military and Professional Background
Johnson has a decades-long military and international career.
He was born in Duxbury and graduated with a degree in management from Franklin Pierce College in New Hampshire.
His military education includes studies at several prestigious U.S. institutions, including:
- Amphibious Warfare School
- Marine Corps Command and Staff College in Quantico
- Naval War College
Service in the U.S. Marine Corps
Johnson began his military career in 1980 in the United States Marine Corps as a platoon and company commander in the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines.
During his service, he held numerous command and international assignments, including deployment to Cuba, where he served as commander of a ground-defense unit at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base.
He gained additional international experience as a United Nations military observer in:
- Lebanon
- Sinai Peninsula
Johnson also participated in:
- Operation Desert Shield
- Operation Desert Storm
during the Gulf War.
International Operations
Throughout his career, Johnson served as a security adviser to the Central Asian Peacekeeping Battalion and later commanded:
- The 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines
- The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit
He also took part in operations in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom and participated in the evacuation of American citizens from Beirut.
Post-Military Career
After retiring from the military in 2010, Johnson founded the consulting company Mares Associates LLC, which works with partner countries across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and South America.
He was also involved with Brite-Strike Technologies, a company specializing in tactical equipment and lighting solutions.
Awards and Decorations
For his military service, Johnson received numerous U.S. military honors, including:
- Legion of Merit
- Bronze Star Medal
- Combat Action Ribbon
If confirmed by the Senate, Ronald Johnson will become the next U.S. ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, representing the Trump administration in Sarajevo during a politically sensitive period for the country and the wider Western Balkans.
