CPT Ori I. Avila hails from New York, New York. In 1999 CPT Avila entered active duty as a Chemical Operations Specialist. In January 2007, CPT Avila earned his commission as a Chemical Officer from Officer Candidate School.

CPT Avila’s military and civilian education includes the Chemical Captain’s Career Course, Center for Explosive Hazard Planners Course, Search/Tactical Site Exploitation Course, The Stryker Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle Operator NET Course, Chemical Officer Basic Course, Officer Candidate School, Advance Leader Course, Warrior Leader Course, Jumpmaster Course, and Airborne School. CPT Avila holds a Bachelors of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Chapman University and a Master of Science in Environmental Management from Webster University.

CPT Avila’s previous enlisted assignments include 3rd Battalion, 325th Airborne IN REG, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg ,North Carolina; 2nd Battalion, 503rd Parachute IN REG, 173rd Airborne Brigade Camp Ederle, Italy; and 22nd Chemical Battalion (Tech Escort), Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland. After commissioning, CPT Avila was a Battalion Chemical Officer and Assistant S2, 1-17th IN REG, 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT) Fort Lewis, Washington; and Platoon Leader, Chemical Reconnaissance Platoon, Delta Troop, 8-1 Cavalry Squadron 5thSBCT. In 2012, CPT Avila was served as an Operations Officer for the G3 for HHC, ATC, Fort Jackson , South Carolina. CPT Avila has deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and once in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

His military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal (5 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (3 OLC), Good Conduct Medals (2nd Award), the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal with Bronze Arrowhead, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NATO Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (2nd Award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Parachutist Badge with Bronze Star, and Army Meritorious Unit Citation.

HHC 120th AG receives, processes, motivates, trains, and ships Prior Service, Phase II, and Airborne Orientation Course Soldiers to gaining units or follow on destinations in a professional and expedient manner. The DARK HORSE company also supports and sustains the battalion with trained personnel in all supporting staff sections.

The HHC, 120th AG, “Dark Horse” company will continue to receive, process, and ship Prior Service, and Phase II Soldiers within 4 days of arrival to support the force. The Airborne Orientation Course will continue to motivate and train Soldiers to pass the Airborne School requirements at FT Benning with a 95% success rate of Airborne qualified 92R Soldiers. The DARK HORSE company continues to support and sustain the battalion and FT Jackson BCT units with trained personnel to support the processing of over 50,000 IET Soldiers annually.