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Arnold L. Punaro Papers
Descriptive Summary | |
| Title: Arnold L. Punaro Papers | |
| Creator: Punaro, Arnold L. | |
| Inclusive Dates: 1969-2019 | |
| Language(s): English | |
| Extent: 37.5 Linear Feet 49 boxes | |
| Extent: 8 oversize_folders | |
| Extent: 7 item(s) | |
| Extent: 8 moving_image(s) 3 VHS cassettes, 2 DVDs | |
| Extent: 1 sound_recording(s) 1 audio cassette | |
| Extent: 0.3627 gigabyte(s) | |
| Collection Number: RBRL477 | |
| Repository: Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies | |
| Abstract: Major General (ret.) Arnold L. Punaro is a decorated veteran of Vietnam, Desert Shield, and Operation Provide Promise, a former defense policy advisory to Senator Sam Nunn, former Vice President of Science Applications International Corporation, and CEO of the Punaro Group, a Washington, D.C. consulting firm. This collection includes documentation of Punaro's work with the Senate Armed Services Committee, and his defense contracting and government consulting work. Highlights include defense policy at the conclusion of the Cold War, nuclear deterrance and arms control, the nominations and appointment process, and federal government relations. | |
Collection Description
Historical Note
Arnold L. Punaro is a retired Major General in the United States Marine Corps and CEO of The Punaro Group and IronArch Technology. He joined the Marine Corps in 1968 and was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1969. Punaro earned the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his service during the Vietnam War and was later mobilized during Operation Desert Shield in 1990 and Operation Provide Promise in 1993. From 1995-1997 he was the Commanding General of the Marine Corps Mobilization Command, and then Commanding General of the 4th Marine Division from 1997-2000. He was mobilized again in May 2003 to support Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom before returning from active duty in October 2003.
From 1973 to 1997, Punaro served as a national security advisor to Senator Sam Nunn (D-GA), first as Director of National Security Affairs, then as Staff Director of the Senate Armed Services Committee. His worked focused on defense and intelligence legislation during the end of the Cold War and the confirmation process.
After his tenure with Senator Nunn and the Armed Services Committee, Punaro became Senior Vice President of defense contractor Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), where he was responsible for global communications, operational support, and government relations. In 2010 he retired from SAIC to start his own consulting firm, The Punaro Group, specializing in federal relations, risk and budget analysis, and acquisitions. In 2013, he partnered with his oldest son to form IronArch Technology, providing IT support and consulting services.
Punaro is the recepient of numerous public service awards, including Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Pulic Service, the Marine Corps Association's Distinguished Service Award, and was named one of Roll Call's Top 50 Staffers in the Congress numerous times. He is the author of On War and Politics: The Battlefield Inside Washington's Beltway.
Scope and Content
This collection contains records from Punaro's work with Senator Nunn and the Senate Armed Services Committee, The Punaro Group, Science Applications International Corporation, the Defense Business Board, Reserve Forces Policy Board, and IronArch Technology, as well as his service in the US Marine Corps. It includes briefing books for Defense Department and Joint Chiefs of Staff nominee murder boards; nuclear deterrance and arms control (particularly the Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces Treaty and the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty; and military issues such as the Goldwater-Nichols Act, combat readiness, and veteran transition to civilian life.
Organization and Arrangement
Where possible, this collection retains the donor's original organization.
Administrative Information
Conditions Governing Access
This collection contains digital files. To access these files, please request the folders you would like through the finding aid using your research account. An archivist will be in contact with you to explain how to access the files. Please note that not all file formats are currently supported by the library for research use.
Conditions Governing Access
This collection contains audiovisual materials. Reference copies of the audiovisual recordings are available upon request. Research requests will be filled as soon as possible and will be dependent upon the condition of the recordings.
Preferred Citation
Arnold L. Punaro Papers. Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia Libraries, Athens, Georgia, 30602-1641.
Finding Aid Publication
Finding Aid prepared by Alec Zimmerman and Robert Lay, 2024-06-14.