James W. Melson

Major James W. Melson was born and raised in Cottage Grove, MN. After graduating from Carleton College, Minnesota in 2009, he commissioned through Officer Candidate School as an Ordnance Officer. After graduating his career course, he is now a career Logistics Officer. He most recently served as the Battalion Executive Officer for the 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado.

Previously, he commanded Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division at Joint Base Lewis-McCord, Washington. He had tactical assignments at 10th Mountain Division and 2nd Infantry Division, and operational assignments at 1st Corps, 4th Infantry Division, and 1st Army Division.

He was a Forward Support Company executive officer during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2012. MAJ Melson deployed twice to Afghanistan in 2010 and 2012. He has previously served as an observer/controller/trainer at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin where he trained Army Reserve Units warrior tasks and battle drills. He also previously served as the Brigade S4 for 4th CAB and the G4 Supply and Services Chief for 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, CO.

MAJ Melson holds a Bachelor of Arts from Carleton College, Minnesota, a Master of Science in business in supply chain management from the University of Kansas, and a Master of Arts in military operations from the Army Command and General Staff College, Kansas.