Colonel Eric D. Tilley graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1989, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and was commissioned as an Air Defense Artillery officer.
Upon completion of the Air Defense Artillery Officer Basic Course, he was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), serving in a variety of assignments, to include Vulcan/Stinger Platoon Leader during OPERATIONS DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM; Air Defense Officer to 187th IN (Rakkasans); and Executive Officer of 20th Replacement Company.
Following completion of the Adjutant General's Officer Advanced Course, he completed consecutive assignments in Germany: first as Commander, 510th Postal Company; followed by Director of Postal Operations during OPERATION JOINT ENDEAVOR; and as Readiness Officer, 1st PERSCOM.
Upon returning to the United States, he served as Commander of Headquarters, Training Support Battalion, and as a Combat Developments Officer in the Adjutant General School at Fort Jackson, SC. He also served as Executive Officer of 18th Personnel Services Battalion (Airborne) and Strength Manager for XVIII Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg, NC.
After completion of the Command and General Staff Officer's Course, he returned to Europe, serving as the G1 for US Army NATO; Personnel Branch Chief for Headquarters Support Group, SHAPE; and J1 for NATO CIS Agency in Mons, Belgium.
His most recent assignments were as Commander, US Army Garrison Shinnen, the Netherlands, and Operations Chief for the Senior Leader Development Office, Office of the Chief of Staff, Army, the Pentagon.
Colonel Tilley's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (four oak leaf clusters), Army Commendation Medal (two oak leaf clusters), Army Achievement Medal (two oak leaf clusters), NATO Medal, Parachutist Badge and Air Assault Badge. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Public Administration from the University of Maryland and a Master of Science degree in Strategic Studies from the US Army War College.