Colonel Bryan Bonnema graduated from the United States Military Academy and was commissioned as an Armor officer in May 2003. His first duty assignment was as a Platoon Leader where he deployed with 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment from 2005-2006 in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF).
Upon returning from Iraq, COL Bonnema served as a Company Executive Officer prior to attending the Maneuver Captains Career Course at Fort Knox, Kentucky.
From 2007-2010, COL Bonnema served as the Deputy Brigade Operations Officer for 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division in Baumholder, Germany and commanded Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment in Sadr City, Iraq from 2008-2009 and then Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment.
Following his return from Germany, COL Bonnema was assigned as an Instructor of Military Science and Operations Officer in the Department of Military Instruction at the United States Military Academy.Following this assignment, COL Bonnema was assigned as the G3 Training Officer for the 3d Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia and subsequently as the Deputy Joint Operations Officer at the USFOR-A Headquarters at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan while deployed in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM from 2014-2015.
Upon redeployment, COL Bonnema was assigned as the Executive Officer for 1st Battalion, 64th Armored Regiment where he deployed twice to Europe in support of the Army’s Regionally Allocated Forces Europe and OPERATION ATLANTIC RESOLVE missions.Upon completion of this assignment, COL Bonnema served as the Secretary of the General Staff to the Commanding General, 3d Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, GA and while deployed to Afghanistan in support of OPERATION FREEDOM’S SENTINEL from 2017-2018.
Upon redeploying from Afghanistan, COL Bonnema assumed duties as the Plans and Analysis Branch Chief, Officer Readiness Division, Officer Personnel Management Directorate at Army Human Resources Command, Fort Knox, KY.
From June 2020 to June 2022, COL Bonnema commanded 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, where he deployed in support of OPERATIONS SPARTAN SHIELD and INHERENT RESOLVE and conducted operations at Fort Bliss, TX in support of OPERATION ALLIES WELCOME.Upon relinquishing command, COL Bonnema was assigned as the ACoS, G3 (Operations) for 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss, TX. COL Bonnema most recently served as the V Corps Director of Future Operations at Fort Knox, KY.
CSM Gregory M. Swayer
Command Sergeant Major Gregory M. Swayer is a native of Orleans, Indiana entered the United States Army in July of 2003.
He completed One Station Unit Training (OSUT) at Fort Knox, Kentucky where he was awarded the MOS 19D, Cavalry Scout.
CSM Swayer’s duty positions include: Scout Driver, Cavalry Fighting Vehicle Gunner, Squad Leader, Section Leader, Platoon Sergeant, Drill Sergeant, First Sergeant, and Senior Military Science Instructor, and Operations Sergeant Major. His stateside assignments include Fort Polk, Louisiana: Fort Knox, Kentucky: Fort Campbell, Kentucky: Fort Moore, Georgia: Fort Bliss, Texas: and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His overseas assignments include Korea. He has deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, Djibouti, and Kuwait for combat and peacekeeping operations.
CSM Swayer’s is a graduate of the Basic Leaders Course (BLC), Advanced Leaders Course (ALC), Senior Leader Course (SLC), Sergeants Major Course (SMC), Air Assault Course, Pathfinder, Drill Sergeant School, Tactical Certification Course, Army Reconnaissance Course, Cavalry Leaders Course, Master Educator Course, Common Faculty Development-Instructor Course, Senior Reserve Officer Training Corps Pre-Command Course, Battle Staff Course, and Combatives Level 1. CSM Swayer holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Leadership and Workforce Development, and a Master of Arts degree in Higher Education Administration.
CSM Swayer’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Award), the Army Commendation Medal with Valor, the Army Commendation Medal (3rd Award), the Army Achievement Medal (4th Award), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Presidential Unit Citation, Valorous Unit Award, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign medial, Iraq Campaign medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, NCOPD Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge, Drill Sergeants badge, Pathfinder Badge, and the Air Assault Badge. He is also a member of the Order of St. George.
