Michael A. Balser
Description
Colonel Michael A. Balser was commissioned as a Field Artillery Officer upon graduation from Officer Candidate School Class #501-86, 13 June 1986. His first duty assignment was as Fire Direction Officer, 2nd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment, Baumholder, Germany.
His subsequent duty assignments include: Platoon Leader, 2nd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment, Baumholder, Germany; Fire Support Team Chief, 2nd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment, Baumholder, Germany; Platoon Leader, Medium Truck Company, Kafertal, Germany; Commander, HHC 4th Transportation/44th Corps Support Battalion, Fort Lewis, Washington; G-4 Movements Officer, I Corps, Fort Lewis, Washington; MS III Instructor, Jacksonville (Alabama) State University ROTC; Logistics Advisor, Saudi Arabian National Guard Modernization Program. S-3, 24th Transportation Battalion, Fort Eustis, Virginia; S-3, 8th Transportation Brigade, Fort Eustis, Virginia; Commander, 833rd Transportation Battalion, Seattle, Washington; Requirements Chief, U.S. Transportation Command; G-4, U.S. Army Africa, Vicenza, Italy.
Colonel Balser has attended the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course, Airborne School, Nuclear/Biological/Chemical Officer Course, Transportation Corps Officer Advanced Course, Combined Arms and Services Staff School, Command and General Staff College, and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. His civilian education includes a Bachelors Degree from Christopher Newport University in Virginia and a Masters Degree from Jacksonville State University in Alabama.
His military awards include: the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (4 Oak Leaf Cluster), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2 Oak Leaf Cluster), Navy Commendation Medal (2 Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Achievement Medal (6 Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal ( 2 Oak Leaf Cluster), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Overseas Ribbon (4 Oak Leaf Cluster), Basic Parachutists Badge, German Military Efficiency Badge, Joint Meritorious Unit Award (3 Oak Leaf Cluster), Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the Army Superior Unit Award.
