A seasoned political pro and habitual over-achiever, Donald Rumsfeld has been around the block in Washington more than a few times. In fact, he held his current post once before, in President Gerald Ford's administration - more than 20 years ago. At the time, he was the youngest Secretary of Defense in history (he was 43). Prior to that, he served as a member of the House of Representatives, from 1962 to 1969. He also worked as Chief of Staff to President Ford and ambassador to the North American Treaty Organization (NATO).

Through much of the '80s and '90s, Rumsfeld sought opportunities in the private sector, as chief executive officer first at a pharmaceutical firm then at a company specializing in high-definition television technology.

Along with thousands of other military personnel, Secretary Rumsfeld was at his desk in the Pentagon on September 11 when terrorists slammed a hijacked 757 into the side of the building, killing 189 people. According to reports, Rumsfeld was among those who rushed to administer first aid to the injured.

During the days just prior to the U.S.-led military strikes against Afghanistan, Rumsfeld played a key diplomatic role as he paid visits to his defense minister counterparts in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Oman. In Uzbekistan, which shares a border with Afghanistan, he secured the right to base U.S. troops and supplies there.

Rumsfeld and his deputy, Paul Wolfowitz, are considered to be among the most hawkish members of the Bush administration. The two have reportedly been pushing for the U.S. to take a hard line against Saddam Hussein since last year.

Over his decades in and out of public service, Rumsfeld has published a continually growing collection of principles based on lessons he has learned in politics and business, known as "Rumsfeld's Rules." A few highlights from the 154 lessons include:

On working in the White House:
• "Don't begin to think you're President. You're not. The Constitution calls for only one," and "Don't blame the boss. He's got enough problems."

• On being Secretary of Defense: "Reserve the right to get into anything and exercise it."

• On business: "Remember: A's hire A's and B's hire C's."

• On life: "If you have rules, never have more than 10."

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