Col. Christopher James Ricci
Colonel Christopher Ricci was commissioned as an Armor officer in 2002 following graduation from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University ROTC in Daytona Beach, FL. In 2004 he branch transferred to the Infantry. Previous assignments include command and staff positions in a light cavalry, mechanized, and Stryker Brigade Combat Teams. He also served as a Future Operations Planner for both ISAF Joint Command in Afghanistan and I Corp, Future Operations Chief for Alaskan Command (USNORTHCOM), and Battalion Commander of 2nd Battalion, 54th Infantry Regiment at Fort Moore, GA responsible for transforming civilians into Infantry Soldiers. Following his assignment at Fort Moore, Colonel Ricci commanded 1st Battalion, 2d Security Force Assistance Brigade at Fort Bragg, NC where he was responsible for advising multiple African Armies. He currently serves as the Garrison Commander for Fort Knox, KY.
Colonel Ricci’s military training and education includes the Basic Airborne Course, Air Assault School, Pathfinder School, Ranger School, Combat Advisor Training Course, Northern Warfare Training School, the Armor Officer Basic Course, the Maneuver Captains’ Career Course, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Joint and Combined Warfighting School, the US Army Military Historian Course, and Army War College. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University, a Master of Military Art and Science in Military History from U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the Army War College.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (2 OLC), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (4 OLC), Army Commendation Medal with Valor, Army Commendation Medal (1 OLC), Joint Service Achievement Medal (1 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (4 OLC), Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Combat Action Badge, Ranger Tab, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, the Pathfinder Badge, and the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (Gold).