United States Army (Retired)

Dion S. Edwards

United States Army (Retired)

*** ******* ******, *****, *** York

Cell: 347-***-****; Email: ****.********@*****.***

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dion-edwards-45a06991

Professional Summary

Seasoned military veteran with a demonstrated history of leading, planning and executing to standard. Served over 22 years in the United States Army, multiple leadership, staff positions, and combat operations. Keenly understand what to expect from good leaders and exemplifies the traits and characteristics of an outstanding leader. Skilled at assessing, acquiring, analyzing, planning, leading, supervising, and communicating at the small team through corporate level. Military specialty is Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) Operations. Works well in a team setting, relishes the opportunities for individual challenges, provides quality output regardless of the environment. Education includes a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Industrial and Management Systems Engineering from West Virginia University, Master of Science (MS) in Environmental Management from Webster University, and multiple Military Leadership and career progression courses.

Areas of Expertise

Strategic Planning and Operations Leadership, Mentoring and Team-building

Inventory Management Safety and Compliance

Program Management Policies and Procedures Implementation

CBRN Weapons Safety and Security and Handling Program Development and Lead Trainer

Program Analysis and Assessment Incident Site Characterization and Exploitation

Education and Training

Webster University, St. Louis, MO M.S. Environmental Management May 2006

West Virginia university, Morgantown, WV B.S. Industrial and Mngt. Systems Eng Aug 2001

Chemical Officer Basic Course Fort Leonard Wood, MO Feb 2002

Chemical Captains Career Course Fort Leonard Wood, MO Dec 2005

DoD Support to Civil Authorities Course Panama City, FL Feb 2012

Military Work Experience

United States Army Combined Arms Center (CAC) October 2016 to July 2018

Fort Leavenworth, Kansas

Position: Strategic Plans Officer

Directed the staff management of programs, processes and initiatives across the United States Army Combined Arms Center (CAC), Subordinate Organizations (SOs) and aligned Centers of Excellence (CoEs) in order to ensure timely and effective implementation of the Commanding General’s intent. Managed staff actions and initiatives in support of the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command’s (TRADOC) contributions to Army programs. Served as Action Officer for periodic updates to designated regulatory publications. Organized and synchronized CAC Town Halls and CAC Association of the United States Army (AUSA) contributions across 15 major organizations, which includes two annual meetings and symposiums with global impacts.

•Lead planner and organizer for CAC Defense Performance Management and Appraisal Program (DPMAP) Town Halls. Leveraged all logistical requirements (meeting location, digital communication media, transportation, support personnel) and managed leaders reconnaissance and rehearsals. Ensured that the conditions were set for the Commanding General or his designated representative to deliver his address to the attending audience. This allowed the command to achieve compliance with the implementation of the new performance and evaluation system ahead of schedule, while informing subordinate leaders of the expected changes and fielding questions.

•Staff coordinator for AUSA annual meetings, Global Force Symposium and Exposition. Managed the preparation and submission of proposed presentations to higher headquarters in preparation for two annual symposiums. Initiated the process with a tasking order and established timeline to ensure the organization was prepared to present its contributions on the designated convention dates. Chaired multiple in-progress reviews (IPRs) to assess progress and disseminate critical information. Provided periodic updates to the Commanding General in order to seek his decision, clarify his intent, and gain further guidance. Served as the final quality control reviewer to ensure the organization met all requirements and proposals were in the right format prior to submission to higher command.

•Staff lead for periodic rewrite/update of TRADOC Regulation (TR) 10-5-4. Managed the staffing process of TR 10-5-4, which outlined the duties and responsivities of CAC staff sections and subordinate organizations. Established process timeline and collected, reviewed and organized subordinates’ contributions to the regulatory update. Served as the initial adjudication lens; ensured submitted comments were consistent with other Army and/or Department of Defense regulations. Prepared a summary of changes for the Operations Officer's review and approval. The resultant was a revised version of TR 10-5-4, which captured organizational changes, relationships, duties, and responsibilities.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Joint Forces Command- Naples, Operations Directorate September 2014 - September 2016

Naples, Italy

Position: Deputy Cell Chief, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) Cell Staff Officer

Responsible for coordinating and synchronizing the execution and adjustment of operations for 28 assigned components and other actors in theatre or in preparation for a specific operation. Advised, assessed, developed, planned, coordinated, and served as staff CBRN subject matter expert. Advised all staff members on matters relating to the mitigation and use thereof the use of CBRN weapons, agents and materials. Responsible for the Headquarters CBRN Cell and Control Centers /Zones during deployed operations. Served as advisor to the commander and branch leads on all matters relating to CBRN operations and as a key member of the Nuclear Operations Cell as required. Conducted operational planning for all short and long-term CBRN related operations for the Headquarters and the combined joint force.

•Very ably stood in for the reassigned Cell Chief, seized the opportunity and strongly led the CBRN team through several key NATO exercises with superb results. Prepared and led CBRN exercise vignettes discussion amongst senior leaders concerning Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and Radiological Disposal Devices, which received laudatory remarks from the Command Group and evoked radical changes in the Commander’s training focus.

•Successfully delivered on multi-faceted fronts, most especially as a solid lead CBRN planner during NATO’s Graduate Response Planning and equally incisive with the meticulous planning and execution for a NATO Warning and Reporting certification exercise for NATO Response Force 2016.

•Selected by the command to serve as a peer mentor for Joint Forces Command Brunssum (JFCB), an adjacent headquarters, to guide a newly assembled CBRN Cell through a certification exercise. Stout knowledge and experienced background proved vital to the JFCB CBRN Cell and the Operations Branch throughout the 18-day deployment exercise. Provided sound advice and feedback, which allowed the CBRN Cell to grow as a team and operate independently by the end of the exercise. The CBRN Cell received a commendable rating and JFCB achieved certification as the NATO Response Force for 2015.

20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) Command November 2011-August 2014 Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Position: Battalion Operations Officer, 22nd Chemical Battalion (Technical Escort): November 2011-April 2014

Responsible for the training, readiness, and employment of five subordinate organizations totaling 600 subject matter experts, capable of worldwide deployment. Responsible for all current and future organization operations to include planning, training, and execution of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives (CBRNE) Technical Escort and conventional support missions for local, national, and international mission requirements. Responsible for mitigating the effects of CBRNE weapons through detection, monitoring, packaging and transport, render safe, remediation and, decontaminating operations in support of National Command Authority, Combatant Commanders, and other federal agencies. Maintained oversight of the organization' Readiness Reporting System which assessed unit readiness, and oversaw the Intelligence Function of the battalion.

•Improved 10 operating system with at least 15 percent efficiency increase in each area, and ensured that they were self-sustaining and not personality driven. Developed a system to track individual training across the organization by appointing hierarchal level system administrators who were responsible for updating an automated database. Established a system to ensure the processing of weekly training schedules by the Battalion and Company Commanders. Identified the lack of, and subsequently established a Training Resource, Integration, and Schools Meeting that was essential in ensuring the battalion and companies had identified, requested and received all the prerequisites for a successful training event prior to execution.

•Displayed mastery of the Operations Process during two deployments to the Republic of Korea to participate in partnered training exercises with the Republic of Korea Armed Forces. Operated as both the Executive and Operations Officers. Through meticulous planning and preparation, the Battalion Tactical Operations Center seamlessly deployed its personnel and equipment, established a footprint, and executed operations in support of a Republic of Korea Infantry Regiment. This extremely complex task was even more remarkable in light of how far the battalion had progressed from its initial Command Post Exercise during my first week as the Battalion Operations Officer.

•Spearheaded an aggressive tactical training plan in support of the Battalion Commander’s intent. During an 18-month period, the entire organization was displaced to remote locations on four separate occasion, to perform continuous operations in austere environments. Prior to my arrival, the entire battalion had not been on a single field training exercise. Prepared Annual Training Guidance, which laid out, in chronological sequence, the Battalion Commander’s training objectives for the fiscal year. Issued further details in Quarterly Training Guidance to focus the train-up periods for the companies. Issued execution orders, laid out in Operations Orders for specific events, where every able body was accounted for and all functional equipment were gainfully employed to show the full operating capability of the organization. Comprehensive planning, resourcing, and execution assured senior commanders that the 22nd Chemical Battalion was prepared to execute its wartime mission and more importantly, the leaders and Soldiers had established a trust account with each other. They were certain that the men and women to their flanks would hold up their end of the bargain in combat as they had proven in tough, realistic training.

•Operations Officer for a CBRNE Coordination Element (CCE), a 17-member team, equipped with WMD, Intelligence, and communications experts. Planned and executed four team deployments to the Republic of Korea in support of senior level military commands for both United States and South Korean Armed Forces. These exercises focused on the characterization, render-safe, and eliminations (through neutralization or destruction) of adversaries’ WMD activity. Made significant contributions to operation orders production and provided periodic updates to the command and staff on mission assessment for all CBRN matters. These engagements made available, a capability not resident in the South Korea Armed Forces and helped to foster an enduring relationship with our Pacific Partners.

Headquarters, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment April 2010 - October 2011

Killeen (Fort Hood), Texas

Position: Regimental Chemical Officer

Responsible for ensuring five (5) squadrons and four (4) separate companies, consisting of over 5000 personnel, were fully trained and equipped to fight and win convincingly, in a CBRN contested environment. Provided expert advice to the Regimental Commander on the status of CBRN training, chemical defense readiness and CBRN equipment maintenance. Scheduled, resourced, and managed training and equipment maintenance in accordance with theater directives during a yearlong deployment to Iraq. Served as the Defense Readiness Reporting Systems-Automated (DRRS-A) coordinator and Assistant Information Operations Officer for the organization throughout the deployment. Executed the responsibilities of the Plans Officer for two months during leave rotations. Responsible for the professional growth, development and mentorship of 17 directly reporting personnel from subordinate organizations.

•Demonstrated outstanding professionalism, technical expertise, and flexibility as the CBRN Officer for the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. Developed and implemented a comprehensive CBRN Force Protection Plan for the operating environment, which greatly reduced the risk of exposure to hazards for 7,000 service members and civilians. Exceptional planning and execution led to the procurement and distribution of individual protective equipment for all personnel assigned to the organization. This feat exceeded the organization’s requirement and commander’s expectation as the unit had previously deployed without protective equipment and acquired it while in theatre, a risky undertaking. Managed critical assets as the Assistant Information Operations Officer to include the Regimental Commander Key Leaders Engagements schedule, Psychological Operations teams and information engagements throughout the operating environment. These assets fostered the relationships with the local populace and reinforced the mission and message of the command.

•Performed a myriad of additional duties in order to support the mission. Served as the Regimental Planner in the absence of the Operations and Plans Officers during leave rotations. Analyzed and assessed missions and other requests from higher headquarters and provided timely feedback based on the capabilities and strength of the organization. Published clear and concise orders to inform subordinates and enable the execution of the Commander’s intent. Managed the unit status reporting to Department of the Army for the Regiment and all subordinate organizations. Ensured timely and accurate reporting through Central Command, which addressed the operational, equipment, and personnel needs of the Regiment. Managed the Operation Security function for the Regiment. Built a program from the ground up, which included allocating training for eight separate base camps in Southern Iraq, an inspection program to ensure policy compliance and a ‘zero tolerance’ approach in the face of a lurking adversary. Creative energy and aggressive approach safeguarded highly sensitive friendly information and stressed the importance of Operation Security to each member of the organization.

2nd Chemical Battalion July 2008-March 2010

Fort Hood (Killeen), Texas

Position: Company Commander, 13th Chemical Company, Biological Integrated Detection Systems (BIDS)

Responsible for the training, readiness, command and control, and employment of four (4) BIDS platoons and one headquarters platoon which conducted biological monitoring, surveillance, detection, and identification worldwide in support of combatting WMD objectives. Responsible for the morale, discipline, health and welfare of 147 Soldiers and their families. Responsible for the accountability and maintenance of equipment valued in excess of 49 million dollars. Facilitated training, equipping, staffing, and preparing the organization to conduct biological defense operations upon arrival at any theatre, anywhere.

•Commanded a 147-member Bio-Detection organization for a period of 20 months. Maintained an operational readiness of 95 percent throughout command, which included the manning, equipping and training of a fifth subordinate element. Organized and implemented two competitive training and evaluation programs for assessing teams and squads on their ability to perform their essential and general tasks. These competitions built morale, promoted teamwork and Esprit de Corps through healthy competition while at the same time, keeping the mission-ready at all times.

•Prepared for and was ready to deploy the company in support of any contingency operation. Planned, resourced and executed five (5) company Field Training Exercises (FTX) to achieve and maintain training proficiency. Demonstrated technical and tactical proficiencies during organization’s external evaluations that resulted in commendable ratings and a unit certified to execute its mission.

•Filled critical role in several major exercises as the Assistant Battalion Operations Officer for the 2nd Chemical Battalion. Led the deployment, participation, and redeployment efforts of the 2nd Chemical Battalion during ARDENT SENTRY, a national level consequence management exercise at Fort Lewis, WA, which tested and solidified Northern Command’s consequence management plans in response to a catastrophic, national disaster or domestic terrorist attack.

•Served as the Rear Detachment Commander for 1st Air Cavalry Brigade. Received newly arrived soldiers and families and prepared newly arrived soldiers for deployment, ensuring they received all required training and families were adequately situated prior to their loved ones deployment to a combat zone. Coordinated and supervised the CBRN readiness training for 3,500 soldiers and civilians, trained and assessed the organization’s ability to fight and win in a CBRN contested environment.

Professional Military Awards

Order of the Dragon (Chemical Regimental Association highest honor) The Bronze Star Medal (2)

The Defense Meritorious Service Medal

The Meritorious Service Medal (2)

The Army Commendation Medal (3)

The Army Achievement Medal (5)

Additional Experience

Active Top-Secret Security Clearance

Management of Chemical and Biological Casualties Course (2012)

An In-depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness (IS-0002), US Dept. of Homeland Security (2006)

Operational Radiological Safety (2005)

Toxic Agent Training (x4)

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