Eric Halstrom

Scenario Manager at NATO Joint Warfare Centre
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Contact Information
us****@****om
(386) 825-5501
Location
Stavanger, Rogaland, Norway, NO
Languages
  • English Native or bilingual proficiency
  • German Professional working proficiency

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Experience

    • Norway
    • Armed Forces
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Scenario Manager
      • May 2021 - Present

    • United States
    • Armed Forces
    • 700 & Above Employee
    • US Army Aviation Officer (Lieutenant Colonel)
      • Jun 1999 - Present

      Over 21 years of tactical and operational experience as a Day, Night, Instrument and NVG qualified UH-60A/E/L Blackhawk helicopter Pilot and Aviation Staff Officer for the US Army with a multitude of varying assignments, primarily overseas. My positions and responsibilities, and accomplishments during this time are covered in my individual job assignments listed below.

    • Brigade Executing Officer, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade (Griffins)
      • Feb 2016 - Aug 2016

    • Battalion Executive Officer, Battalion Commander, 3rd Bn (Assault), 158th Avn Regt (Storm Riders)
      • Sep 2013 - Feb 2016

      Battalion Executive Officer 2013-June 2015; deactivated residual battalion commander June 2015-February 2016. Responsible for the oversight of all battalion staff functions: administrative, intelligence, operations, protection, logistics, maintenance, fiscal management, facility management, signal, IT and all aspects of family support & well-being for 409 Soldiers, their families, 29x UH-60L helicopters, 92 vehicles, over 11,000 pieces of equipment and property in value of $177 million. Managed an aviation flying hour program of 3,800 annual hours, while maintaining an average of 4x UH-60s in phase maintenance, and a 75-85% Operational Rate. Overcame a 70% manning turnover without operational detriment. As the chief of staff, developed subordinate leaders through an active professional development program, emphasizing teaching, coaching and mentoring. Demonstrated exceptional critical thinking, sound judgement and tactical acumen. Conducted the planning, resourcing and execution of multiple bi-lateral and NATO level exercises across Germany, Hungary, Norway and Slovakia, enabling the alliance. Established and led the first and only US rotary wing support to NATO Operation Atlantic Resolve (response to Russian aggression) in 2014-2015, leading multiple aviation task forces, forward deployed to Poland, the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania, as well as operating in Romania and Bulgaria. Re-established the only UH-60 FRIES capability in Europe after a 10 year absence. Planned and executed a flawless air movement of the Lithuanian President in July 2014. Began the deactivation process for the battalion as per the 2015 Army Aviation Restructuring Initiative, while continuing to support full spectrum aviation operations. Oversaw the orderly deactivation of the battalion and assumed command of the remnants of four other battalions also deactivating. Till the end, ensured the proper care and drawdown of remaining personnel, equipment and facilities. Show less

    • Brigade Aviation Officer (BAO), 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Div (Arctic Wolves)
      • Jan 2011 - Sep 2013

      Brigade special staff member, responsible for the integration of all aspects of aviation operations into the ground scheme of maneuver. As the aviation subject matter expert, advisor to the commander on aviation attack operations, lift, air cargo movements, aerial medical evacuation, airspace management and control. Specifically oversaw the employment of brigade un-manned aerial assets (UAVs or UAS). Conducted lateral coordination with supporting and coalition aviation units. Coordinated the air movement of 4,000 Soldiers to/from the National Training Center, CA in February/March 2011. Deployed to southern Afghanistan in April 2011 - April 2012 as part of Operation Enduring Resolve 11-12. Enacted a comprehensive air movement program to deploy the brigade of 5,500 Soldiers across dozens of separate bases. Developed and coordinated a detailed air weapons team (AWT) plan with our supporting aviation brigade, to include a comprehensive UAS reconnaissance and strike capability. Over a years time during Afghanistan combat operations, planned, coordinated and resourced over 5,500 air movements, transporting over 20,000 personnel and 2.5 million pounds of cargo, while averaging a 93% request approval rate. Executed 25% more aviation movements than any other brigade in southern Afghanistan. Conducted bi-lateral training with Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF), enabling their nascent air assault capability and executing the first ANSF air assaults in southern AFG history. Continued to enable brigade aviation operations on return to Alaska, integrating my airspace management cell into the US Air Force Red-Flag exercises throughout the summer of 2012 and 2013, all the while supporting a multitude of air assault operations through 2013. Expanded the brigade use of small UAS through 2013, and conducted extreme cold weather testing on new Army UAS systems during the winter of 2013. Completed the US Army Arctic Cold Weather Warfare course at Black Rapids, AK. Show less

    • Brigade Logistical Officer, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade (Griffins)
      • Nov 2008 - Jan 2010

      Logistical officer for an aviation brigade consisting of 4,500 Soldiers, 156 aircraft (rotary and fixed wing), 800 military vehicles, seven battalions and one separate company distributed over 10 locations in Germany. Responsible for the full spectrum of logistical support, to include equipment and supply procurement, maintenance, and management of brigade equipment in value of over $6.7 billion, distributed amongst 38 separate companies. Additionally oversaw all aspects of food management, transportation and purchasing programs for the brigade. Managed logistics, supporting 14 separate deployments inside the brigade over the course of 14 months. Enabled the deployment and establishment of the brigade headquarters in Tallil, Iraq in November 2009. Show less

    • Brigade Chief of Plans, Assistant Operations Officer, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade (Griffins)
      • Dec 2007 - Nov 2008

      As the Chief of Plans for the 12th CAB deployed to central Iraq during the 2007-2008 US Military surge, responsible for the conception, drafting and implementation of the aviation brigade operations, enabling a force of over 5500 aviation Soldiers. Over the course of 9 months, planned and supervised the execution of over 69,000 passenger movements, 432 VIP movements, 431 Combat Air Assault missions, the movement of 641 tons of air cargo and the flow of 4.4 million gallons of jet fuel. All during contested combat operations around Baghdad. Simultaneously flew approximately 100 hours of combat UH-60L missions, and occasionally General Petraeus while he was the commander of coalition forces in Iraq. Show less

    • Company Commander, Headquarters, 5th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment (GSAB) (Mission Ready)
      • Jun 2006 - Dec 2007

      Commander for a Headquarters company of 150 Soldiers and Officers stationed in Katterbach Germany. Responsible for providing all aspects of deployment preparation, training, administration, logistics, IT & communication support, medical readiness, and family support to a General Support Aviation Battalion of over 800 Soldiers. Restructured the company as part of the US Army Aviation Transformation Campaign Plan in 2006, incorporating personnel and millions of dollars of equipment from various aviation units around Germany. Prepared the company and supported the battalion in pre-deployment operations to Iraq in 2006-2007. Conducted a month of operational training in Kuwait, before moving the company forward to Iraq in August 2007 for a 15 month long combat deployment. Executed all aspects of combat headquarters support to a multi-functional aviation task force with assault, VIP, heavy cargo lift and medical evacuation support across central Iraq during the high intensity, US Military surge of 2007-2008. Show less

    • Assistant Operations Officer, 3rd Battalion (Assault), 158th Aviation Regiment (Storm Riders)
      • Jul 2004 - Jun 2006

      Assistant Operations Officer for a 30 ship UH-60L aviation battalion, in Giebelstadt, Germany as well as a year long deployment in Southern Afghanistan in 2005-2006 as part of Operation Enduring Freedom 6. Responsible for the development and execution of operational plans and collective exercises encompassing all aspects of combat aviation operations. Flight planning. International coalition operations. Execution of Crash Rescue procedures. Management of an 10,500 hour per year peacetime flight program, expanding to 15,000 hours in combat. Combat helicopter operations managing attack, lift, medical evacuation and heavy cargo movements. Military support to civilian nation building efforts in Afghanistan. Show less

    • Operations Officer, 194th Maintenance Battalion
      • Dec 2003 - Jun 2004

      Hand picked by the Battalion commander to be the Operations Officer for a multiple function, Logistics Battalion, employing over 800 Soldiers across South Korea. Provided direct logistical support to 65 units across US 8th Army, with ammunition, fuel, water, recovery and aviation maintenance and ground maintenance. Planned and executed the training and support of the battalion, ensuring war time training. Enabled the movement of an AH-64 battalion from South Korea, back to the US.

    • G/52 Aviation Platoon Leader and Battalion Opposing Force Commander
      • Jun 2003 - Dec 2003

      Maintenance Platoon Leader responsible for the coordination and production control of US Army Intermediate Level Maintenance on 43 AH-64A & D model attack helicopters assigned to 6th Calvary Brigade, in South Korea. Supervising my 33 Soldiers, I oversaw the phase maintenance of eight AH-64s, entailing over 2500 man hours. Enabled a major training exercise along the Korean DMZ, independently leading a team of 15 Soldiers as aggressors against the battalion of 800 Soldiers, vastly increasing the combat effectiveness of the unit. Recognized as a self starter, possessing imagination, and thriving on challenges. Show less

    • Aviation Captain's Career Course, Combined Arms Service Staff School, Joint Firepower Course
      • Nov 2002 - Jun 2003

      The Captain's Course provided the baseline for advanced understanding of complex doctrine, tactics, techniques and procedures to excel as an US Army Aviation Company Commander. I demonstrated my competency in these key areas during multiple exercises and simulations. At the subsequent staff school at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, I learned the necessary functions as a member of the staff at the battalion, brigade and division levels; learning to analyze and solve military problems and to communicate across a joint environment, where languages differ between US military services. At the Joint Firepower Course at Nellis Airbase, NV, I learned how to properly analyze, evaluate, plan and employ most of the weapons available on the modern battlefield. Show less

    • 1st Battalion, 228 Aviation Platoon Leader, Company Executive Officer and Battalion Signals Officer
      • Aug 2001 - Oct 2002

      Started as a Platoon Leader and transitioned to the Company Executive Officer position with Alpha Company, leading, training and employing 16 Soldiers, five UH-60A helicopters and $40 million in Army equipment across Central America. Conducted nation building, humanitarian, counter narcotics, VIP aviation support, Special Operations and aerial firefighting missions, while flying over 150 hours. Expertly implemented new security procedures as the Battalion Anti-Terrorism / Force Protection Officer following the 9/11 attacks. Broadened my knowledge at the US Air Force Air Movement Operations Course and then applied that knowledge during a no notice C-5 Globe Master air load training mission. As the Battalion Signals Officer, I was responsible for the planning, maintenance and employment of the Battalion radio and digital communications across Central and South America. Assisted in the planning, organization, and execution of President George W. Bush's visit to El Salvador in March 2002, flying in formation with US Marine 1. Show less

    • Company Executive Officer, Headquarters, 2nd Aviation Brigade
      • Mar 2001 - Aug 2001

      Principle advisor to the Company Commander. Responsible for the compilation and proper reporting of the Brigade Readiness Report to the US Army. Maintained the brigade ammunition, weapons room, and company equipment. Oversaw the proper food service operations for the Camp Stanley dining facility, providing over 1200 meals daily, and implemented measures to overcome a $30k deficit, resulting in a $4k surplus. Recognized on multiple occasions for exceptional performance ahead of my peers due to terrific improvements in company quality of life, training and supply management functions. Show less

    • Electronic Warfare Platoon Leader (EH-60A), C Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Aviation Brigade
      • Aug 2000 - Mar 2001

      Platoon leader for the only heliborne intelligence gathering platform in the US military Pacific Theater. Responsible for the employment, maintenance and sustainment of four EH-60A helicopters, 20 Soldiers and $27 million in equipment. Planned, coordinated and executed an airborne jamming exercise, validating the combat effectiveness of the platoon. Flew over 120 intense flight hours near and along the Korean Demilitarized Zone, conducting war time signals intelligence gathering.

    • US Army Aviation Officer Basic Course / Flight School / UH60A Advanced Qualification Course
      • Jun 1999 - Jul 2000

      US Army flight school, combined with US Army Aviator Officer Basic Course (OBC). Completed initial, and instrument flight ratings in a TH-67 (Bell Jet Ranger). Advanced to qualification and Basic Combat Skills in a OH-58C scout helicopter. Continued into OBC to learn skills necessary to execute duties as an Aviation Officer, where I graduated as an Honor Graduate and Commander’s Physical Fitness Award. Specifically recognized as an outstanding, highly motivated and intelligent, exceeding my peers in this rigorous course. Graduated from the Army Aircraft Survivability Equipment / Electronic Warfare Officers Course parallel to the course of instruction. Finished the year with an Advanced Qualification Course on the UH-60A Blackhawk helicopter. Show less

    • Germany
    • Defense and Space Manufacturing
    • 700 & Above Employee
    • US Army Military Professional Exchange Officer to the German Army Command (KdoH)
      • Sep 2020 - May 2021

      US Army Exchange Officer to the German Army Command (Bundeswehr Kommando Heer), Strausberg, Germany.Responsible for International Training Affairs for Central and Northern Europe.

    • US Army Military Professional Exchange Officer to the German Army Training Command (AusbKdo)
      • Sep 2017 - Sep 2020

      US Army Exchange Officer to the German Army Training Command (Bundeswehr Ausbildungskommando), Leipzig, Germany.In my role as a German A15 Officer, responsible for the development and implementation of individual training programs for the German Army infantry and mountain warfare infantry. Further responsible for the application of the German/Austrian bi-lateral agreement for mountain warfare training.

    • Germany
    • Government Relations Services
    • 100 - 200 Employee
    • US Army G3/5/7 Senior Fellow
      • Aug 2016 - Sep 2017

      Army G3/5/7 Fellow, George C Marshall Center for Security Studies Fellowship, Garmisch, Germany. Utilized this amazing opportunity to expand my knowledge in various international security topics, International Relations, Cyber Security and European Regional Security. Executed a capstone study of Arctic Security and its effects on European security. Army G3/5/7 Fellow, George C Marshall Center for Security Studies Fellowship, Garmisch, Germany. Utilized this amazing opportunity to expand my knowledge in various international security topics, International Relations, Cyber Security and European Regional Security. Executed a capstone study of Arctic Security and its effects on European security.

  • Sand Point Country Club
    • Greater Seattle Area
    • Jack of all trades
      • Apr 1997 - Jun 1999

      Started as food service on the pool deck; worked front end management at the country club reception desk; worked for the administration department; worked as food service in the main dining room; worked on the greens crew to improve the quality of the game. Started as food service on the pool deck; worked front end management at the country club reception desk; worked for the administration department; worked as food service in the main dining room; worked on the greens crew to improve the quality of the game.

Education

  • NATO SCHOOL OBERAMMERGAU
    Strategic Operations Planning Course, Military Joint Operations Planning and Strategy
    2022 - 2022
  • Baltic Defence College
    Operational Planners Course, Military Joint Operations Planning and Strategy
    2022 - 2022
  • Webster University
    Master’s Degree, International Business and Organizational Security
    2010 - 2010
  • U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
    US Army Command & Staff College, Intermediate Level Education (ILE)
    2010 - 2010
  • University of Washington
    Bachelor’s Degree, Political Science / International Relations
    1995 - 1999

Community

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