Robert S. Thornton

Phone: 404-***-**** s Email: acsusp@r.postjobfree.com

Professional Qualifications

Recognized leader and planner of communication operations and training; willing to take on more complex projects; continuous consideration of strategic objectives and process improvement. Experienced in strategic planning, risk mitigation, logistical solutions, and operational execution in stressful environment. Veteran at creating presentations and briefing senior management. Proficient with the Microsoft Office Suite – Excel, PowerPoint, Project, SharePoint, Visio, Word. Experienced in interagency collaboration and exercise planning. Skillful in organizational inspections.

Active Secret Security Clearance

Profiles: Academic/Professional Development/Recognition

Education

Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice; minor in Military Leadership, North Georgia College & State University, Dahlonega, Georgia

Master of Science, Information Technology Management, Regis University, Denver, Colorado – In progress

Specialized Training/Skills: Strategic Solutions: The Leader’s Edge; Supervisor Development Course; Information Assurance Security Officer Course; Communication and Information Systems Manager Course; Operations Officer Course; Signal Captains Career Course; Equal Employment Opportunity.

Awards: Bronze Star Medal; Meritorious Service Medal (2); Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal (3); Meritorious Unit Commendation; Valorous Unit Award; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 2 Campaign Stars; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star; NATO Medal

Experience Chronicle

Summit Contracting (Colorado Army National Guard), Denver, CO 10/2013 – 08/2015 10/2013 – 08/2015

Operations & Planning Coordinator

Oversee development and establishment of operational plans for the Communications Directorate of the Colorado Army National Guard. Compile, organize, and analyze information in order to effectively develop operational plans.

Initiated project management in-process review to synchronize staff efforts, resulting in a more collaborative environment. Assisted in review of division specs and scopes of work, and assisted in walk-thru with the project manager. Attended project management meetings and updated changes to the IT team.

As a lead planner, coordinated multiagency cyber-security and state communication exercises, involving multiple States National Guard and First Responder Units, enabling the valuable discussion of best practices on State policy and operational planning processes.

Working with technical experts, drafted and published plan to support the implementation of a VDI solution.

Conducted inspections on subordinate organizations, focusing on: Information assurance, classified systems, physical security, and policy; advised on policy and best practices to best meet requirements

Supported SharePoint team in developing plan for migration to SharePoint 2013.

Facilitated and led Contingency Operations Planning Group for business recovery for the Colorado Army National Guard.

Colorado Army National Guard, Colorado Springs, CO 02/2013 – 07/2015

Communications and Information Systems Manager

Oversee systems administration, communications processes, equipment and training, and Information and Communications Security for 814-person Light Infantry Battalion. Advise unit leadership on communication plans, strategies, and security issues in order to ensure communications support during training and real-world operations. Provide leadership, direction, mentorship, feedback, and discipline to 10 mid-level and junior personnel.

Identified shortfalls in communications equipment and common knowledge; drafted and implemented policies to rectify problems, resulting in 200% improvement in equipment and personnel understanding.

Planned and implemented Radio Telephone Operator Academy, resulting in all critical personnel acquiring valuable, practical knowledge of equipment utilization and maintenance.

Level 3 Communications, Broomfield, CO 04/2013 – 09/2013

Operations Technician Associate

Responsible for monitoring circuits on a global fiber network in a Network Operations Center. Monitored and remote-repaired circuits indicating alarms to troubleshoot and identify root causes of circuit failures. Coordinated with field technicians to deactivate circuits requiring on-site repair.

U.S. Army, Hunter Army Airfield, GA 05/2011 – 02/2013

Communications Director

Directed all aspects of communications for Army Criminal Investigative Division (CID) Group charged with overseeing investigations in 29 states, and Central and South America. Managed, inspected, and developed plans for secure and non-secure networks and connectivity to maximize overall unit success in meeting program and project objectives. Developed and executed inspections of equipment, processes, procedures, and regulations. Supervised seven communications and IT personnel, providing direction, feedback, and discipline.

Reviewed and modified procedures for computer lifecycle management, resulting in improved accountability of information systems; plan was adopted by division headquarters.

Reviewed communication Service-Level Agreement support contracts from Network Enterprise Centers in support of dispersed supporting organizations; streamlined service requirements reducing annual support costs.

Stood in as the Operations Officer for a Battalion to restore organization and re-establish failing reporting systems; led and synchronized staff efforts; initiated improvement projects, including implementing an operations calendar that became the standard for the organization.

Managed and assisted SharePoint team with administrative permissions and site layout for subsidiary offices. Advised senior management on the organization and use of SharePoint, and briefed organization on best practices regarding data sharing, backup, and security; ensured permissions and pages were effectively managed.

U.S. Army, Fort Carson, CO 03/2009 – 05/2011

Communications and Information Systems Manager

Led, managed, and mentored 12 multidisciplinary communications specialists in providing robust communication support via management of net radios, ground, and satellite communications equipment, automation systems, as well as secure and non-secure networks. While serving in Afghanistan, analyzed operations plans and devised optimal communications support components thereof to ensure highest standards of connectivity and security in high-risk, hostile environment.

While deployed to Afghanistan, managed all network and tactical communications for a 600-Soldier organization spread across eight remote locations; responsible for information assurance, physical security, best practices, equipment tracking and accountability, and drafting communication plans for military operations.

Used lessons learned in Afghanistan to draft and implement communications training program in to train Soldiers to utilize, inspect, and maintain communications assets.

Ensured network teams’ IT support and life-cycle management supported 24/7 operations.

Researched and created comprehensive plan to return communications assets from overseas locations to home station, while ensuring maximum accountability and security; plan became the foundation for headquarters plan.

U.S. Army, Fort Carson, CO 11/2005 – 05/2008

Small Unit Leader

Oversaw training, operations, discipline, and logistics of a 42-Solider Rifle Platoon unit planning and executing ground operations and training, both stateside and in Iraq. Participated in daily meetings with unit leadership to plan and coordinate operations based on overall goals and objectives. Oversaw accountability, serviceability, maintenance, and documentation of $2M+ worth of equipment. Presented After Action Reports on completed operations, status updates of ongoing operations, and details concerning potential and planned future operations.

Led unit on complex night operation to assist Iraqi tribe that had fallen victim to adversarial attack, which became a foundation for relationships with locals in that area.

As senior leader of an area of operations, coordinated and led meetings with local leaders to help build working relationships and review local public infrastructure.

Planned and executed assessments of local infrastructure to ascertain and prioritize potential threats as well as observe quality of facilities and areas of public works and services.

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