Col. Michael H. Gourgues, Commander, 1st Aviation Brigade

Colonel Michael H. Gourgues commissioned into the U.S. Army Aviation branch from Tulane University in 2002. He holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Webster University and a Master's of Strategic Studies from the Army War College.

Following flight school, COL Gourgues served as an Attack Platoon Leader, Troop Executive Officer, and Squadron S1 with 6th Squadron, 6th Cavalry from 2004 through 2006. He served as a Battalion intelligence officer and Company Commander with 2-159th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, Germany's 12th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) while deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom 07-09. After attending the Maneuver Captain’s Career Course, he was the Attack Observer/Controller – Trainer at the Joint Multinational Training Center.

As a Field Grade Officer, he served as the Assistant G3 Air and Current Plans Officer for the ISAF Joint Command in Kabul, Afghanistan. Following his professional schooling at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, COL Gourgues served as the Operations and Executive Officer for 3-6 CAV, 1 AD CAB. During this assignment, he and his unit deployed to OSS/OIR. Following this experience, he served as the Air Cavalry Leader’s Course commandant and Tactics Director, DOTD for AVCOE.

COL Gourgues commanded 3-6 Air Cavalry Squadron, 1AD CAB before attending the US Army War College. His latest assignment was with USAFRICOM, where he served as the Current Operations Director.

COL Gourgues’ awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (5 OLC), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (2 OLC), the Master Army Aviator Badge, the Space Badge, Combat Action Badge, and the Parachutist Badge.

COL Gourgues will join the 1st Aviation Brigade and AVCOE team alongside his bride, Emily, and his three daughters, Luca (11), Remy (5), and Noel (3).