Open To Work
Brandon Pinon
Combat Engineer Squad Leader/Bradley Commander
El Paso,TX
Summary
Operations and field engineering leader with 17+ years managing high-risk projects, training large teams, and safeguarding people, assets, and infrastructure. Expert in safety management, controlled demolition, route/infrastructure assessments, and heavy equipment/vehicle operations. Proven record of building high-performing teams, developing training programs, and maintaining accountability for $3M+ in equipment.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Combat Engineer Squad Leader
U.S. Army
Fort Bliss, TX
12.2023 - Current
- Lead 9–12 personnel in field engineering operations; plan/execute route and infrastructure assessments for safe mobility.
- Implement safety programs and risk controls for controlled demolition and obstacle removal; zero serious incidents.
- Maintain readiness of vehicles/equipment; manage inventories exceeding $3M with 100% accountability.
- Develop and deliver technical training (demolition safety, tools/equipment, site procedures); improve team proficiency.
- Produce reconnaissance reports on terrain/structures to inform movement plans and project decisions.
- Coordinate across units to align engineering solutions with operational objectives and timelines.
Drill Sergeant (Instructor/Training Manager)
U.S. Army
Fort Leonard Wood, MO
12.2020 - 11.2023
- Managed end-to-end training for 60-person classes every 90 days (fitness, safety, marksmanship, discipline, teamwork).
- Built curricula, assessments, and remediation plans; increased graduation and readiness rates.
- Led risk assessments and incident prevention across all training events; ensured regulatory compliance.
- Coordinated logistics, schedules, and staffing; streamlined training timelines and resource use.
- Maintained detailed trainee records, performance reviews, and operational reports.
Combat Engineer Squad Leader / Bradley Commander
U.S. Army
Fort Bliss, TX
08.2018 - 11.2020
- Supervised 14-person crew; executed route clearance and controlled demolition with zero injuries.
- Conducted inspections, preventive maintenance, and emergency response drills, improved readiness and safety.
- Optimized routes and resource consumption; reinforced compliance and documentation standards.
- Managed $2M+ in assets with full accountability.
Combat Engineer Team Leader
U.S. Army
Fort Leonard Wood, MO
03.2016 - 08.2018
- Led 8-person team in terrain analysis, infrastructure assessment, and explosive hazard reduction.
- Delivered equipment/safety training; ensured adherence to procedures and regulatory standards.
- Managed $1M+ in assets with full accountability.
Combat Engineer Team Leader / Track Commander
U.S. Army
Fort Leonard Wood, MO
03.2013 - 07.2016
- Planned and executed field engineering projects: fortifications, obstacle breaching, route clearance.
- Built team capability through coaching, performance feedback, and structured training programs.
- Drove process improvements, reducing turnaround times and elevating quality and safety outcomes.
Specialized Search Dog Handler (Explosives Detection)
U.S. Army
Fort Leonard Wood, MO
04.2013 - 10.2014
- Trained and handled detection canines; coordinated with veterinarians; maintained equipment and care protocols.
- Conducted behavior assessments and implemented training plans; improved detection reliability and safety.
Combat Engineer (Junior Enlisted)
U.S. Army
Schofield Barracks, HI
06.2009 - 03.2013
- Supported construction and rapid repair of critical infrastructure; executed route clearance and obstacle reduction.
- Performed safety briefings, risk assessments, and equipment maintenance; ensured continuous readiness.
Education
High School Diploma -
Wuerzburg American High School
06-2006
Senior Leader Course - Platoon/Operations Management
U.S. Army Senior Leader Course
U.S. Army NCO Academy Camp Grafton Devils Lake, ND03-2023
Drill Sergeant Academy - Phases 1–3: Leadership, Fitness, Marksmanship, First Aid
U.S. Army Drill Sergeant School
U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy Fort Jackson, SC01.2020
Advance Leader Course - Advance Combat Engineer Leadership Training
Advance Leaders Course
Fort Leonard Wood, MO01.2018
Basic Leader Course - Leadership And Management
U.S. Army Basic Leader Course (BLC)
Fort Leonard Wood, MO01.2015
Specialized Search Dog Handler Course -
Specialized Search Dog Handler
Lackland Airforce Base, San Antonio, TX01.2013
Composite Risk Management - Safety
Safety Management
AR Safety Center Fort Rucker 01.2012
Husky Mounted Detection System Operator - Ground Penetrating Radar/IED Detection
Route Reconnasiance And Clearance Course Operator
01.2011
Air Assault School - Sling Load, Air Movement Planning
Air Assault School
Sablanski Air Assault School, Fort Campbell, KY01.2010
Ammo Handler - DoD Explosives Safety
Ammo Handlers Course
Schofield Barracks, HI01.2010
Advance Individual Training (AIT) - Mobility, Counter-Mobility, Survivability
U.S. Army Combat Engineer School
06-2009
U.S. Army Soldier -
Basic Combat Training
Fort Leonard Wood, MO04-2009
Skills
- Team & Organizational Leadership; Training Program Design & Delivery
- Operations Planning; Logistics & Resource Management
- Safety Management; Risk Assessment & Mitigation (Composite Risk Management)
- Infrastructure/Route Reconnaissance; Field Engineering
- Controlled Demolition Procedures; Explosive Safety Compliance
- Emergency Response (TCCC/First Aid); Incident Management
- Process Improvement; Compliance & Documentation
- Heavy Equipment & Specialized Vehicle Operations
Accomplishments
- Trained 2,000+ civilians into soldiers over 3 years; led 60-trainee cohorts every 90 days with zero fatalities.
- Certified 27 leaders in engineering qualifications (demolition, reconnaissance, landmine marking) in austere environments.
- Maintained 100% accountability for $3M+ in equipment across multiple roles; zero loss incidents.
- Recognized for performance under pressure (Combat Action Badge; Army Commendation with Valor).
- Transformed a route-clearance unit into a sapper (engineering) platoon, improving mission capability and asset alignment.
- Achieved “Honor Platoon” as Senior Drill Sergeant, outperforming three peer platoons.
Certification
- Safety & Risk Management (CRM)
- First Aid/Combat Lifesaver (TCCC)
- Air Assault
- Ammunition Handling (Explosives Safety)
- Husky/GPR Route Clearance Operator
- Drill Sergeant (Instructor Certification)
- Combatives Level 1
Timeline
Combat Engineer Squad Leader
U.S. Army
12.2023 - Current
Drill Sergeant (Instructor/Training Manager)
U.S. Army
12.2020 - 11.2023
Combat Engineer Squad Leader / Bradley Commander
U.S. Army
08.2018 - 11.2020
Combat Engineer Team Leader
U.S. Army
03.2016 - 08.2018
Specialized Search Dog Handler (Explosives Detection)
U.S. Army
04.2013 - 10.2014
Combat Engineer Team Leader / Track Commander
U.S. Army
03.2013 - 07.2016
Combat Engineer (Junior Enlisted)
U.S. Army
06.2009 - 03.2013
High School Diploma -
Wuerzburg American High School
Senior Leader Course - Platoon/Operations Management
U.S. Army Senior Leader Course
Drill Sergeant Academy - Phases 1–3: Leadership, Fitness, Marksmanship, First Aid
U.S. Army Drill Sergeant School
Advance Leader Course - Advance Combat Engineer Leadership Training
Advance Leaders Course
Basic Leader Course - Leadership And Management
U.S. Army Basic Leader Course (BLC)
Specialized Search Dog Handler Course -
Specialized Search Dog Handler
Composite Risk Management - Safety
Safety Management
Husky Mounted Detection System Operator - Ground Penetrating Radar/IED Detection
Route Reconnasiance And Clearance Course Operator
Air Assault School - Sling Load, Air Movement Planning
Air Assault School
Ammo Handler - DoD Explosives Safety
Ammo Handlers Course
Advance Individual Training (AIT) - Mobility, Counter-Mobility, Survivability
U.S. Army Combat Engineer School
U.S. Army Soldier -
Basic Combat Training
ADDITIONAL
- Security/Weapons handling: Trained; maintained compliance and safe conduct.
- Awards: Combat Action Badge; Army Commendation Medal with Valor; Expert Driver; Combat Spurs.