Colonel David D. Baker was commissioned an Infantry Officer upon graduation from Officer Candidate School Class 4-84, 10 August 1984. His first duty assignment was as a Platoon Leader, 2nd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment. | His subsequent duty assignments include: Mortar Platoon Leader, 2nd Battalion, 187th Infantry; Commander, Special Forces Operation Detachment A-743, 7th Special Forces Group; Commander, Company B, United States Army School of the Americas; Commander, 3rd Battalion, 4th Psychological Operations Group; Director of Plans and Programs, Joint Military Information Support Command. | His military awards and decorations include: Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal w/ 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Joint Service Commendation Medal w/ Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Commendation Medal w/ Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Achievement Medal w/3 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Pathfinder Badge, the Parachutist Badge, the Ranger and Special Forces Tabs and the Expert Infantryman Badge.