William Backlund
Military Professor National Security Affairs
Biography
Lt. Col. Backlund is a military professor in the National Security Affairs Department. He was commissioned in 2002 through the Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Class program. He has served over 20 years as an F/A-18D Weapons Systems Officer which included 3 combat tours in Iraq and 3 Unit Deployment Programs. His last tour was with Africa Command where he worked in the J3.
Contact Information
Areas of Expertise
- Africa
- Air Warfare
- Deterrence
- Leadership
- National Security
Professional Highlights
Operations Chief, AFRICOM J31
Operation Inherent Resolve, VMFA(AW) 533 Hawks Operations Officer
3rd Marine Air Wing WSO of the Year, VMFAT-101 Sharpshooters
Training Officer, VMFA(AW)-225
Weapons Tactics Instructor, VMFA(AW)-225
Air Combat Tactics Instructor, VMFA(AW)-225
Operation Iraqi Freedom, VMFA(AW)-225 Vikings
Operation Iraqi Freedom, VMFA(AW)-332 Moonlighters
Education
M.Ed., University of Washington, 2019, Adult Learning Theory
Teacher Certificate, Eastern Michigan University, 2000, History for Secondary Education
Related Credentials
Air Combat Tactics Instructor
Weapons Tactics Instructor
Awards and Decorations
Air Medal
20 Medals
Other Honors
Eagle Scout
3D Marine Aircraft Wing Weapon Systems Officer of the Year
2012
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