Col. Justin M. Pritchard
Colonel Justin M. Pritchard received his commission through Gonzaga University’s Army ROTC program in May 2004. He began his career as a sapper and light equipment platoon leader, later serving as the company executive officer for A Company, 37th Engineer Battalion (Combat) (Airborne). After attending the Engineer Captain’s Career Course, he commanded A-Company, 425th Brigade Special Troops Battalion (Airborne), and Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division (Airborne). Following company command, Col. Pritchard attended advanced civil schooling at the University of Washington with a utilization tour as a Project Manager with the Seattle District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
In 2015, Col. Pritchard served as the Division Engineer and a G5 Plans Officer for the 82nd Airborne Division. He subsequently served as the Executive Officer of the 37th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, and Operations Officer for the HHBN, 82nd Airborne Division. From 2018 to 2020, Col. Pritchard served as Aide-de-Camp to the 54th Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In 2020, he assumed command of the 6th Brigade Engineer Battalion (Airborne), 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division. Before assuming brigade command, Col. Pritchard served as a military professor at the U.S. Naval War College.
Col. Pritchard deployed twice to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and once to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. His awards and decorations include the Combat Action Badge, Ranger Tab, Master Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge, and the Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award.
Col. Pritchard holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Gonzaga University, a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Washington, a Master of Military Arts and Science from the School of Advanced Military Studies, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Washington State and a certified Project Management Professional.