Ken Keen

Lieutenant General P. K. "Ken" Keen, USA is the Chief, Office of the Defense Representative-Pakistan for U.S. Central Command. He previously served as Military Deputy Commander of U.S. Southern Command. He assumed his current assignment in July 2011.

Keen is a native of Hyden, Kentucky. He graduated from Eastern Kentucky University in 1974 with a bachelor's degree in mathematics. He later earned a master's degree in Latin American studies from the University of Florida. LTG Keen also studied at the Brazilian Army Command and General Staff College and the U.S. Army War College.

Keen is known for his unique brand of caring for and connecting with those under his command.

An Infantry Officer with 18 years on airborne status, LTG Ken has commanded Light Airborne Infantry, Ranger, Special Forces, Military Group and Army Component units. His commands include a Special Forces Detachment (SCUBA) in 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group; Company and Battalion Commands in the 82nd Airborne Division; Command of 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment; Command of the 75th Ranger Regiment; Command of U.S. Military Group Bogota, Colombia; Command of U.S. Army South (USARSO); and Command of Joint Task Force Haiti - Operation Unified Response.

LTG Keen participated in Operation JUST CAUSE as the Assistant S3 of the 75th Ranger Regiment and was Commander, Ranger Task Force during Operation DESERT STORM as part of Joint Special Operations Command.

From September 2007 to September 2009, he served as the Director of the U.S. European Command Plans and Operations Center and the EUCOM Chief of Staff.

His awards and decorations include the Army Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Pathfinder Badge, Combat SCUBA Diver, Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge and Master Parachutist Badge.