Mark A. Schafer

Mark A. Schafer is a United States Navy rear admiral who currently serves as Commanding General, Special Operations Joint Task Force-Central, United States Central 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. 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 volunteered for assignment to Naval Special Warfare Development Group (NSWDG) in Damneck, Virginia and completed a specialized selection and training course. Schafer 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) assignments include assistant platoon commander, SEAL TEAM TWO; platoon commander, SEAL TEAM FOUR; Troop Commander, Naval Special Warfare Development Group; Operations officer, Joint Special Operations Command; student, Naval Postgraduate School; Executive officer and Squadron Commander, Tactical Development and Evaluation Squadron THREE, NSWDG; student, Joint and Combined Warfighting School; 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.