After completing the Aviation Basic Officer Leader's Course, the Helicopter Over Water Survival Course, the Army's SERE school (Survive, Evade, Resist, and Escape), and the Army's Common Core Rotary Wing Training Program, to include Primary Flight, Instrument Flight, and Basic Warfighter Skills, I began advanced airframe training gaining a rating in the UH-60 "Blackhawk"​ helicopter, and a Private Rotary Wing Pilot's License from the FAA with an Instrument Rating. Prior to Flight Training I served as a Platoon Leader in the 1-135th Attack and Reconnaissance Battalion, at Whiteman Air Force Base, MO, for the rear detachment, while the unit was deployed to Afghanistan, and then for Bravo Company when the unit returned. Served in multiple planning and operational roles including personnel management, physical training evaluation, and property accountability. I also volunteered to assist the chain of command in administering the suicide prevention and education program.