General Benjamin Barnes

General Benjamin Thorne Barnes (born August 10, 1952), is a senior Welan Marine Corps officer and current Confederate Secretary of Defense.

Early Life
Barnes was born in the town of Sardonis, in western Aistaer. He is the son of Nelson Barnes, a judge and provincial Senator, and Almyra Barnes, a schoolteacher and author. Barnes was named for his great-grandfather, a Confederate cavalry officer in the late 1800s. During high school, Barnes played football and participated in equestrian sports, winning many cutting-horse events. He graduated from Berkley High School with honors.

Military Career
Immediately upon graduation from high school, Barnes enlisted in the Confederate Marine Corps. Initially assigned to the 43rd Heavy Infantry Division, Barnes worked his way up through the ranks through exemplary service as well as battlefield promotions. His talent with heavy weapon emplacements had him transferred to the 3rd Marine Armored Division, where he spent most of the rest of his active combat career. He was commissioned in 1976 and enrolled in the Willemsburg Marine Officer Academy, where he graduated top of his class. He was then assigned to the 35th Heavy Infantry Division, where he served as a platoon commander. He served as a battlefield commander for the next twenty years, eventually being promoted to the rank of General.

Barnes' talent for warfare brought him to the attention of President Michael Lyons, who appointed Barnes to the position of Commander of the Marine Corps, and the rank of four-star general. When Secretary of Defense William Scott retired, Barnes was appointed to the office by the newly-elected President Roland Jefferson.

Personal Life
General Barnes was married in 1978 to Mary Carter, an attorney and former Senatorial Aide to Nelson Barnes. They have two children, Jim and Casey Barnes (35 and 30). Benjamin and Mary Barnes live together on a ranch in western Aistaer, where General Barnes hones his equestrian skills.