Carson Thomas
Fort Stewart
Summary
Results-oriented Army Officer with expertise in operational planning, interagency coordination, and crisis management. Capable of analyzing high-threat environments and executing critical decisions to mitigate risk. Experienced in leading cross-functional teams and employing strategic communication to address complex challenges. Aiming to leverage tactical execution and mission-driven leadership in a Federal Agent role. Clearance: Secret
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Squadron Fire Support Officer
1-41 Field Artillery Battalion
Fort Stewart
11.2025 - Current
- Strategic Planning and Coordination: Served as the principal advisor for complex ground operations, synchronizing air and ground assets and coordinating with multiple units to achieve mission objectives.
- Authored and executed comprehensive fire support plans for a decisive action training environment rotation, controlling and executing over 50 live-fire missions and helping the squadron achieve the highest rating for the exercise.
- Pioneered the development and refinement of tactics as a key fire support leader in the Army's first Armored Brigade Combat Team, enhancing lethality and reconnaissance capabilities for the Division's overall fight.
- Planned, coordinated, and executed lethal and non-lethal assets as principal fire support advisor to squadron commander.
- Integrated joint and multinational assets during brigade-level training exercise, synchronizing effects across five battalions.
- I led and mentored the squadron's 12-person Fire Support Team (FIST), implementing a new training program that increased gunnery qualification scores by 25% in six months.
Battalion Assistant Operations Officer
1-41 Field Artillery Battalion
Fort Stewart
12.2024 - 11.2025
- Directed comprehensive operational planning, coordination, and execution for the battalion as the acting Battalion Operations Officer (S3).
- I orchestrated the battalion's planning process in support of a NATO OPLAN, effectively synchronizing efforts across all warfighting functions with adjacent and higher echelons.
- Spearheaded complex redeployment of three battalions from distinct European countries via commercial line-haul and rail, managing all equipment relocation to Lithuania.
- Directed development of comprehensive force protection plan and white cell support for live-fire artillery exercises in Lithuania, enhancing operational safety.
- Fostered unit growth through leadership discussions for officers and peers, recognized for integrity and accuracy in reporting during chaotic environments.
Platoon Leader
2-8 Field Artillery Regiment
Fort Wainwright
05.2023 - 04.2024
- I directed and led a 35-person platoon during specialized Arctic operations, overseeing the tactical employment and combat readiness of three M777A2 howitzers in extreme conditions while maintaining strict accountability for over $12.5 million in government assets and equipment.
- I successfully planned and executed multiple rigorous training rotations, including platoon-level certifications and a Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) deployment, and acted as the Officer in Charge (OIC) for live-fire range operations to ensure absolute personnel safety and mission success.
- Advised leadership, leveraging tactical expertise to navigate high-stress field operations and complex live-fire exercises, enhancing operational effectiveness.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive physical training programs, leading from the front to enhance unit resilience and readiness for demanding operational environments.
- Pursued continuous professional development by completing highly competitive programs, including the Expert Soldier Badge (ESB), Air Assault School, and Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS), showcasing commitment to excellence.
Fire Support Officer
2-8 Field Artillery Regiment
Fort Wainwright
09.2021 - 05.2023
- As the principal fire support advisor to a company commander, I planned, coordinated, and executed the integration of joint fires-including mortars, artillery, and attack aviation-in support of complex ground operations.
- Directed and mentored specialized nine-person Fire Support Team through demanding training cycles and deployments in harsh Arctic environments, enhancing operational readiness during rotation at Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC).
- Supervised and synchronized three forward observer teams and mortar section in high-stress conditions, achieving successful observation of over 1,200 rounds and execution of more than 42 fire missions during live-fire exercises.
- Demonstrating advanced analytical capabilities, I completed the Precision Fires Suite with over 95% proficiency in Target Mensuration, Weaponeering, and Collateral Damage Estimation, while conducting continuous battle tracking to provide commanders with critical, real-time situational awareness for tactical decision-making.
- Furthermore, I maintained 100% accountability and operational readiness for a Stryker Fire Support Vehicle and associated team equipment valued at over $4 million.
- Designed and implemented comprehensive training plan that empowered subordinate leaders to exercise disciplined initiative, leading to official commendations for two junior soldiers during critical readiness rotation.
Education
Technical or occupational certificate -
Captain's Career Course
Fort Sill, OK11-2024
Technical or occupational certificate -
Field Artillery Basic Officer Leaders Course
Fort Sill, OK06-2021
Bachelor's degree - Criminal Justice
Murray State University
Murray, KY05-2020
Skills
- Tactical Mission Planning
- Joint Operations Coordination
- Mission capability
- Geospatial Intelligence Analysis
- Logistics Coordination
- Tactical planning
- Risk management
- Operational Strategy Development
- Resource Allocation
- Training Program Development
Certification
- Identifying and Safeguarding Personally Identifiable Information (PII) Certificate, 02/25
- Derivative Classification Certification, 02/25
- DOD Mandatory Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Training, 05/26
- Marking Special Categories of Classified Information, 05/26
Languages
English
Professional Development Courses
- Sling Load Inspection Certification, 01/22
- Precision Fires Weaponeering, 05/22
- Precision Fires Target Mensuration Only Course, 05/22
- Precision Fires Collateral Damage Assessment, 05/22
- Expert Soldier Badge Awardee, 07/22
- Unit Movement Officer Course, 05/23
- Air Assault School, 07/23
- Inspector General Sexual Harassment Investigations Course, 12/25
- Commander's Course, 04/26
Accomplishments
- Army Commendation Medal: Awarded for exemplary leadership and operational oversight as a Tactical Team Lead. Directed specialized personnel through rigorous tactical evaluations and three complex, high-stress field deployments, while simultaneously developing and implementing new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for operations in highly adverse environments.
- Awarded the highly competitive Expert Soldier Badge (ESB), demonstrating elite physical and mental resilience by successfully passing a grueling series of high-stress evaluations in tactical proficiency, advanced weapons handling, and emergency trauma care.
Timeline
Squadron Fire Support Officer
1-41 Field Artillery Battalion
11.2025 - Current
Battalion Assistant Operations Officer
1-41 Field Artillery Battalion
12.2024 - 11.2025
Platoon Leader
2-8 Field Artillery Regiment
05.2023 - 04.2024
Fire Support Officer
2-8 Field Artillery Regiment
09.2021 - 05.2023
Technical or occupational certificate -
Captain's Career Course
Technical or occupational certificate -
Field Artillery Basic Officer Leaders Course
Bachelor's degree - Criminal Justice
Murray State University