Colonel David W. Carey was commissioned an Aviation Branch Officer upon graduation from Officer Candidate School Class 3-86, 8 August 1986. His first duty assignment was an Attack Helicopter Platoon Leader, Troop B, 1st Squadron, 158th Cavalry (Recon), Edgewood Area, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland. | His subsequent duty assignments include: Aero Scout Helicopter Platoon Leader, B/1-158th Cavalry (Recon), Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland; Troop Commander, B/1-158th Cavalry (Recon), Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland; Commander, HHC, 229th ATS Group, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland; Brigade S-3 (Air), 29th Aviation Brigade, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland; Squadron S-3, HHC, 1-158th Cavalry (Recon), Annapolis, Maryland; Brigade S-3, 29th Aviation Brigade, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland; Squadron Commander, Headquarters, 1-158th Cavalry (Recon), Annapolis, Maryland; Executive Officer, 29th Aviation Brigade, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland; Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel / G1, Joint Forces Headquarters, Maryland Army National Guard, Baltimore, Maryland; Brigade Commander, 29th Combat Aviation Brigade, Edgewood Area, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland. | Colonel Carey's military awards and decorations include: the Master Army Aviation Badge, Army Superior Unit Award, Meritorious Service Medal (5 Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Commendation Medal (3 Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Achievement Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Training Ribbon, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal (with 1 Bronze Star), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (with Silver Hourglass), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (w/ “2” Device), Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon (w/ “2” Device), Maryland National Guard Service Medal (w/ 3 Bronze Botonee Crosses), Maryland National Guard Recruiting Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster).