Col. Doug Baker graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 1999.
He enlisted in the Army in 2000, attended Basic Training and Officer Candidate School at Fort Moore, Georgia, receiving a commission as Armor Officer; he served in leadership positions from platoon through squadron level where he deployed to Korea, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Europe throughout his 24-year career.
Col. Baker attended the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and the School of Advanced Military Studies where he earned a master’s degree in military history and theater operations. Following schooling, he honed his skills as a staff officer, serving as a Division G-5 planner, squadron operations officer, and a brigade executive officer. He also had the opportunity to serve at the Department of Defense, Office of the Inspector General, where he conducted assessments and evaluations for Congress. Most recently, he commanded the 1st Squadron, 1st U.S. Cavalry Regiment, 2nd ABCT, 1st Armored Division, and served as the 1st Armored Division G-3 Operations Officer. He reported to the Army War College as a student in July 2022 and completed the Advanced Strategic Arts Program. Col. Baker is returning to Fort Bliss having served on the Army G-3/5/7 staff where he was the Chief of ReARMM.
His awards and decorations include the Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Citations (2 Oak Leaf Clusters), the Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device, the Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, and the Air Assault Badge.
Command Sergeant Major
CSM William J. Thacker
Command Sgt. Maj. William J. Thacker entered the Army and graduated from One Station Unit Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, as a Tank Crewman.
CSM Thacker’s previous assignments include: Tank Driver/Gunner, L Troop, 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Calvary Regiment, Fort Carson, Colorado; Tank Commander/Section Sergeant, D Company, 1st Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, Fort Carson; Senior Drill Sergeant, E Company, 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, Fort Jackson, South Carolina; Platoon Sergeant/First Sergeant, D Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, Fort Bliss, Texas; First Sergeant, C Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, Fort Bliss; First Sergeant, HHC, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, Fort Bliss; First Sergeant, HHC, 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss; Operations Sergeant Major, 5th Squadron, 15th Cavalry Regiment, Fort Benning, Georgia; Operations Sergeant Major, 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington; Command Sergeant Major, 1st Battalion, 63rd Armored Regiment, Fort Riley, Kansas.
His military and civilian education includes all levels of the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development System and is a graduate of the Sergeants Major Course, Class 71. He is also a graduate of the Drill Sergeant School, Battle Staff, Common Faculty Development Instructor Course, and Battalion Pre-Command Course. CSM Thacker holds a bachelor’s degree in human resource management from Excelsior College as well as a bachelor’s degree in leadership and Workforce Development from Command and General Staff College. CSM Thacker is currently pursuing a master’s degree.
CSM Thacker’s awards and decorations include: Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal (6 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Commendation Medal (3 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (5 OLC), Army Good Conduct Medal (7 Knots), the National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal (4 Stars), the Global War Expeditionary Medal, the Global War Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (5), the Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon (5), Expert Infantry Badge, Combat Action Badge, Driver Badge Wheel and Track, the Order of Saint George “Bronze Medallion,” and the order of Saint Maurice “Legionnaire Medallion.” His permanent unit awards include the Valorous Unit Award and the Army Superior Unit Award.
