James H. Adams III

James H. Adams III (born 30 April 1968) is a United States Marine Corps lieutenant general who has served as the director of the Defense Intelligence Agency since February 13, 2026. He previously served as deputy commandant for programs and resources of the Marine Corps. He previously served as the deputy director for requirements and capability development of the Joint Staff.

In July, Adams was nominated for promotion to lieutenant general and assignment as deputy commandant for programs and resources of the Marine Corps.

LtGen Adams was nominated to lead the Defense Intelligence Agency. Adams was confirmed and assumed the role of Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency on 13 February 2026.

Marine Corps Deployments and Commands

Adams has flown more than 3,300 hours in the AH-1W Super Cobra, including over 300 combat flight hours. He has made amphibious deployments with a Marine Expeditionary Unit and deployed multiples times to Iraq and Afghanistan. As a Lieutenant Colonel, Adams commanded Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367 (HMLA-367) and as a Colonel he commanded Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) of the United States Marine Corps Training and Education Command.

Education

Naval Academy, BS in Computer Science, 1991.

Joint Advanced Warfighting School, MS in Joint Campaign Planning and Strategy, 2010.

Harvard Business School, Advanced Management Program, 2016.

Harvard Kennedy School, Cyber Policy Course, 2020.

Awards

Adams personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terror Service Medal, and the Korean Defense Service Medal.