LTC Michael L. Hefti
Squadron Commander
Lieutenant Colonel Mike Hefti was commissioned through Officer Candidate School as an Armor Officer and attended the Armor Basic Officer Course and Army Reconnaissance Course.
Lieutenant Colonel Hefti completed his Platoon Leader and Troop XO time in 6-9 CAV, 3HBCT, 1st Cavalry Division, during which time he deployed to northern Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Following the Maneuver Captain’s Career Course (MCCC), he commanded in Blackfoot Troop, 6-4 CAV, 3IBCT “Duke Brigade”, 1st Infantry Division out of Fort Knox. During this time, he deployed twice to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After troop command, he participated in Project Warrior as an observer, coach, and trainer at the National Training Center and later as an instructor at MCCC.
After completing the Command and General Staff College, LTC Hefti served in the 2nd Cavalry Regiment as a Squadron XO, Squadron Operations Officer, and Regimental XO. During this time, he deployed to Poland as part of the first Enhanced Forward Presence mission and participated in numerous exercises across Europe. He then returned to Fort Leavenworth and completed the School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS). Following SAMS, Mike Hefti served as the 3rd Infantry Division Chief of Plans and the Deputy Chief of Staff for the 3rd Infantry Division.
LTC Hefti’s major awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (2 Oak Leaf Clusters), the Meritorious Service Medal (3 Oak Leaf Clusters), the Army Commendation Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), the Combat Action Badge, the General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award, the Ranger School LTC Keith Antonia Officer Leadership Award, and the Draper Leadership Award. He is a graduate of the Ranger Course, and Basic Airborne Course, and holds graduate degrees in Criminal Justice from American Military University and Military Studies and Operations from the School of Advanced Military Studies.
CSM Jose J. Padilla Guzman Command Sergeant Major
Command Sergeant Major Jose J. Padilla Guzman is a native of Bayamon, Puerto Rico. He graduated from Pinkerton Academy in Derry, NH, in 1995. He entered the New Hampshire Army National Guard as a 13Bravo Cannon Crewman in June of 1996 and completed One Station Unit Training (OSUT) at Ft Sill, OK. In 2002, CSM Padilla transition to active-duty as a 19K Tank Crewman and completed OSUT at Ft Knox, KY.
CSM Padilla has held numerous leadership positions; Tank Gunner; Tank Commander; Tank Platoon Sergeant; Small Group Leader, Senior Small Group Leader; Operations NCO; Military Science Instructor, Company First Sergeant, and Squadron Operations Sergeant Major.
CSM Padilla assignment includes 3rd Battalion 8th Calvary Regiment, 1st Battalion 12th Calvary Regiment, 3ABCT, 1st Calvary Division, Fort Hood (now known as Fort Cavazos 2023), TX; USA NCOA/DSS, Fort Knox, KY; 1st Battalion 12th Calvary Regiment, 3ABCT, 1st Calvary Division, Fort Hood (now known as Fort Cavazos 2023), TX; United States Army Cadet Command at the University of Puerto Rico (Mayaguez BN); Brutal Company 2nd Battalion 70th Armor Regiment, Hannibal Company 2nd Battalion 70th Armor Regiment, Silver Lion Company HHC BDE 2ABCT, 5th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, Long Knife, 1st Infantry Division., Fort Riley, KS.
CSM Padilla completed all levels of the NCOPDS. Additional courses attended: Company Commander and First Sergeant Course, Master Resiliency Trainer Course, Equal Opportunity Leaders Course, Total Army Instructor Trainer Course, Small Group Instructor Training Course, Foundation Instructor Facilitator Course, and Battalion Pre-Command Course.
CSM Padilla education includes Command and General Staff College – BA – Leadership Workforce Development. Hesser College – Associate Degree – Criminal Justice.
CSM Padilla awards and decorations include: Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal (1 OLC); The Meritorious Service Medal (3 OLC); The Army Commendation Medal (V device, 5 OLC); the Army Achievement Medal (4 OLC); Army Good Conduct Medal (5th knots), Reserve Component Army Achievement Medal (1 OLC); National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal (3 Campaign Stars), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (4th Award), Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon (4th Award), the Combat Action Badge, Air Assault Badge and he is a recipient of the Order of Saint George.