Stanley McChrystal is a retired four-star general in the United States Army. He is best known for his service as the commander of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and Commander of U.S. Forces Afghanistan (USFOR-A) from 2009 to 2010. During his military career, he was a key figure in the development of the counterinsurgency strategy in Iraq and Afghanistan. McChrystal graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1976 and was commissioned as an infantry officer. He served in a variety of command and staff positions in the United States and abroad, including as a platoon leader in the 82nd Airborne Division, a battalion commander in the 10th Mountain Division, and a brigade commander in the 101st Airborne Division. He also served as the Director of the Joint Staff from 2008 to 2009. McChrystal is a highly decorated veteran, having received numerous awards and decorations, including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star. He is also the author of the book My Share of the Task, which chronicles his experiences in the military. After retiring from the military, McChrystal has become a public speaker and consultant, and is a senior fellow at Yale University.