Hagenbeck was born in Morocco to a United States Navy family. He attended high school in Jacksonville, Florida, and was commissioned from the U.S. Military Academy in 1971. Later, at Florida State University, he earned a Master of Science degree in exercise physiology and served as an assistant football coach. While assigned to the U.S. Military Academy's Department of Physical Education, he earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Long Island University. Hagenbeck's military education includes the U.S. Army War College, Army Command and General Staff College, and the Infantry Officer Advanced Course. Hagenbeck has commanded at every level from company through division, culminating as Commanding General of the 10th Mountain Division. He has also served in the 25th Infantry Division, 10th Mountain Division, 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions, and TRADOC. On July 24, 2002, Hagenbeck awarded Colonel Rowan Tink, AM of the Special Air Service Regiment the Bronze Star for his role in Operation Anaconda. Before becoming Superintendent, Hagenbeck served as the Army's Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1, and in numerous staff positions, including Chief of Staff, 10th Mountain Division; Director, Officer Personnel Management Directorate, U.S. Total Army Personnel Command; and Assistant Division Commander, 101st Airborne Division. Hagenbeck has served in numerous Joint assignments, including Exchange Officer and Tactics Instructor to the Royal Australian Infantry Center; Deputy Director for Politico-Military Affairs; Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate ; and Deputy Director for Current Operations, J33, Joint Staff. General Hagenbeck served as Commander, Coalition Task Force Mountain, Operations Enduring Freedom/Anaconda and Deputy Commanding General, Combined Joint Task Force 180 in Afghanistan. Hagenbeck retired in July 2010. Hagenbeck is controversial, as his planning for Operation Anaconda bordered on negligent, as he excluded air component planning until two days prior to the operation commenced. This planning lapse caused chaos in the first few days of the operation, which in turn led top Taliban and al Qaeda leaders to escape into Pakistan.
