DIVARTY Commander
COL Matthew R. VanGilder
COL Matthew R. VanGilder received his commission in the Field Artillery from the University of Texas at San Antonio through ROTC in 2002. His initial assignment took him to Fort Sill, Oklahoma from 2003 to 2007, where he completed the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course in and served in the 3rd Battalion, 13th Field Artillery Regiment (3-13 FAR). During his time in 3-13 FAR, COL VanGilder served as an MLRS Firing Platoon Leader, Battery Executive Officer, and Battalion Fire Direction Officer, deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Following the Field Artillery Captains Career Course in 2007, COL VanGilder deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as a Combat Advisor for 12 months in 2008.
In 2009, COL VanGilder was station at Fort Polk, LA where he served in the 162nd Infantry Brigade as a Company Commander, the Brigade Headquarter and Headquarters Company Commander. He later moved to JRTC Operations Group where he served as the Reconnaissance Squadron Fire Support Officer OC/T, and the Reconnaissance Squadron Operations Officer (S3) OC/T.
Upon completion of the Naval Command and Staff College in Newport, RI, in 2013, COL VanGilder was assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division Artillery (DIVARTY) at Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM), WA. During his time at JBLM, COL VanGilder Served as the 2ID DIVARTY Fires and Effects Coordinator, the 2-17 FA Battalion Executive Officer, the 2ID DIVARTY S3, and the 2ID DIVARTY Deputy Commander.
In 2018, COL VanGilder was assigned to Army Hurman Resources Command where he served as the Field Artillery Major’s Assignment Officer / Career manger until 2020. In June of 2020, COL VanGilder Assumed Battalion Command of the FA Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany. Upon completion of Battalion Command in June of 2022, COL VanGilder was assigned to the Army Joint Support Team at Hurlburt Field, FL, as a Joint Fires Instructor. COL VanGilder graduated from the US Air Force War College, Maxwell AFB, AL in 2025, and Assumed Command of the 3rd Infantry Division Artillery in June of 2025. His operational experience spans the CENTCOM, PACOM, and EUCOM areas of responsibility.
COL VanGilder holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at San Antonio, a Master of Arts in Leadership and Management from Webster University, a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Air War College.
His Awards and decorations include: the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with silver oak leaf cluster, Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Air and Space Commendation Medal, Korean Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with one campaign star, and the Humanitarian Service Medal. He also earned the Combat Action Badge in 2008 and is an Airborne School graduate.
Command Sergeant Major
CSM Matthew A. Howard
Command Sergeant Major Matthew A. Howard is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio. He enlisted into the U.S. Army 18 June 2004 and graduated One Station Unit Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he was awarded the MOS 13B, Field Artillery Cannon Crewmember.
CSM Howard has held numerous positions throughout his military career field from Section Chief to BN Command Sergeant Major. He has been assigned to numerous duty stations to include, 1st Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division; 2nd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Armored Division; 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, 25th Infantry Division; ROTC, University of Delaware; 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division; 4th Battalion, 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade; HQs, 7th Infantry Division; and 4th Battalion, 1st Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Armored Division. He has deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, once in support of Operation New Dawn, and once in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve.
CSM Howard’s military education includes all levels of NCOPDS. Additionally, he has completed the Small Arms Master Gunner Course, Field Artillery Master Gunners Course, Master Resiliency Training, Cadre Faculty Development Course, Combat Advisor Training Course, Joint Fires Course, and Basic Airborne School.
CSM Howard’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (6TH award), Army Commendation Medal (6th award), Army Achievement Medal (4th award), Good Conduct Medal (7th award) National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal (4 campaign stars), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (numeral 5), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (numeral 5), Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, and the Master Gunner Identification Badge .
