Craig Konkle
Columbus,GA
Summary
Accomplished operations, training, and people-development leader with extensive experience managing personnel, delivering large-scale training programs, and executing mission-critical operations in highly regulated environments. Proven record of leading teams across operational units, recruiting organizations, and structured training programs, with strengths in talent acquisition, performance management, compliance, and safety oversight. Government-trained sUAS (drone) operator with strong technical proficiency in risk management and situational awareness. Currently advancing leadership development through Army ROTC at Columbus State University, while maintaining academic excellence as a Dean’s List student and National Honor Society member. Known for disciplined execution, adaptability, and developing individuals into high-performing professionals.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
ROTC Cadet
Department Of Defence
Columbus, Georgia
08.2025 - Current
- Selected participant in a competitive leadership development program focused on management, ethics, and organizational leadership.
- Trained in team leadership, decision-making, and problem solving through practical exercises and academic instruction.
- Planned and executed small-group tasks, coordinating peers to meet objectives under time and performance constraints.
- Applied leadership theory to real-world scenarios emphasizing accountability, communication, and adaptability.
- Maintained high academic and professional standards while balancing coursework, leadership training, and physical readiness.
- Collaborated with peers and instructors in structured environments emphasizing discipline, integrity, and teamwork.
- Developed foundational skills in people management, communication, and ethical leadership.
- Received formal instruction in organizational behavior, leadership principles, and operational planning.
- Dean’s List Columbus State University
- National Honor Society Member
- Participated in field training exercises, leadership labs, and competitive events: Ranger Challenge 2025
Senior Drill Sergeant
Department Of Defence
Columbus, Georgia, GA
04.2024 - 08.2025
- Led and managed large-scale training and onboarding programs for new personnel in a highly regulated, performance-driven environment.
- Supervised and mentored a cadre of instructors, ensuring consistent standards, instructional quality, and professional conduct.
- Designed, executed, and enforced structured training programs focused on discipline, accountability, safety, and performance outcomes.
- Evaluated trainee performance, provided corrective coaching, and implemented improvement plans to meet organizational standards.
- Maintained strict compliance with safety, ethical, and regulatory requirements while operating under intense time and performance constraints.
- Coordinated daily operations, schedules, and resource allocation to support continuous training cycles.
- Served as senior advisor to leadership on training effectiveness, personnel readiness, and discipline issues.
- Managed accountability and safeguarding of personnel and high-value organizational assets.
- Developed individuals from entry-level to fully qualified professionals through structured coaching, mentorship, and evaluation.
- Addressed performance issues, behavioral concerns, and conduct violations with professionalism and consistency.
- Built resilient, disciplined teams capable of operating under pressure and meeting demanding standards.
- Enforced organizational policies, safety protocols, and compliance standards across all training activities.
- Conducted risk assessments and implemented mitigation strategies to prevent injuries and operational disruptions.
- Maintained accurate documentation, reporting, and accountability in a highly audited environment.
U.S. Army Platoon Sergeant
Department Of Defence
Columbus, GA
01.2022 - 04.2024
- Led, trained, and mentored 30 to 40 personnel in high-stress, high-risk environments, ensuring mission readiness, discipline, and professional development.
- Planned and executed complex operations involving risk management, logistics coordination, and real-time decision-making in dynamic environments.
- Served as senior advisor to leadership on personnel management, training effectiveness, and operational performance.
- Managed accountability, maintenance, and readiness of millions of dollars in equipment and sensitive assets with zero loss or compromise.
- Developed and enforced standard operating procedures (SOPs) to improve safety, efficiency, and compliance with organizational standards.
- Conducted performance evaluations, counseling, and corrective action plans to maximize team effectiveness and morale.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams and external partners to achieve operational objectives under strict timelines.
Recruiter Manager
Department Of Defence
Crystal Lake, Illinois
10.2019 - 08.2021
- Led and supervised a recruiting team responsible for talent acquisition, outreach, and onboarding across a defined geographic area.
- Managed recruiter performance through goal setting, coaching, training, and accountability in a metrics-driven environment.
- Planned and executed recruiting strategies to meet or exceed monthly and annual hiring objectives.
- Analyzed performance data, pipeline metrics, and market trends to adjust outreach strategies and improve conversion rates.
- Ensured compliance with federal regulations, ethical standards, and organizational policies throughout the recruiting process.
- Coordinated partnerships with schools, community organizations, and local leaders to expand candidate pipelines.
- Oversaw administrative operations, documentation accuracy, and reporting to senior leadership.
- Developed and mentored recruiters, resulting in improved productivity, retention, and professional growth.
- Directed a sales-style recruiting operation focused on lead generation, qualification, and closing.
- Coached recruiters on consultative selling techniques, objection handling, and relationship management.
- Drove performance through incentives, recognition, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Supervised end-to-end hiring processes, including candidate assessment, selection, and onboarding.
- Maintained compliance with equal opportunity, privacy, and documentation requirements.
- Led training initiatives to improve recruiter interviewing and candidate evaluation skills.
- Managed daily operations of a recruiting office, including scheduling, workload distribution, and resource management.
- Served as senior advisor to leadership on recruiting performance, staffing needs, and community engagement.
- Resolved complex personnel and ethical issues with professionalism and discretion.
Infantryman squad leader
Department Of Defence
Clarksville, Tennessee
10.2016 - 10.2019
- Led and supervised a 9–12 person team in high-pressure environments, ensuring mission success, safety, and accountability.
- Planned, coordinated, and executed daily operations and training activities aligned with organizational objectives.
- Trained, coached, and mentored team members, driving professional development and performance improvement.
- Managed accountability, maintenance, and readiness of high-value equipment and sensitive assets.
- Conducted risk assessments and enforced safety and compliance standards during operations and training.
- Served as the primary liaison between senior leadership and frontline personnel, ensuring clear communication and execution.
- Evaluated performance, provided feedback, and implemented corrective actions to maintain discipline and operational effectiveness.
- Directly responsible for team morale, discipline, and performance outcomes.
- Developed future leaders through structured training, counseling, and mentorship.
- Resolved personnel issues and conflicts while maintaining standards and trust.
- Translated higher-level plans into actionable tasks and timelines.
- Coordinated logistics, scheduling, and resource allocation for team operations.
- Enforced strict safety protocols in high-risk environments.
- Identified hazards and implemented mitigation strategies to prevent incidents.
Recruiter
Department Of Defence
Colorado Springs, Colorado
10.2013 - 10.2016
- Recruited, screened, and onboarded qualified candidates by conducting interviews, assessments, and eligibility evaluations in compliance with federal standards.
- Built and maintained a strong applicant pipeline through relationship building, targeted outreach, and community engagement.
- Delivered presentations and informational briefings to schools, organizations, and community groups to promote opportunities and programs.
- Managed a high-volume caseload of applicants, tracking progress from initial contact through final selection and onboarding.
- Collaborated with internal stakeholders to align recruiting efforts with organizational goals and staffing requirements.
- Utilized CRM-style systems and data tracking tools to monitor leads, improve conversion rates, and meet monthly performance targets.
- Maintained accurate records, documentation, and reporting in compliance with regulatory and ethical standards.
Infantry Team Leader
Department Of Defence
Honolulu, Hawaii
07.2011 - 08.2013
- Led and supervised a 4–8 person team in high-risk, fast-paced environments, ensuring mission success, safety, and accountability.
- Planned and executed daily operations, training events, and task assignments in alignment with leadership objectives.
- Trained and mentored junior personnel in technical skills, discipline, and professional development.
- Maintained accountability and operational readiness of personnel and high-value equipment with zero loss or safety incidents.
- Conducted risk assessments and enforced safety procedures during training and operations.
- Communicated clearly under pressure, adapting plans in real time to changing conditions.
- Evaluated team performance and provided feedback to improve efficiency and cohesion.
- Front-line leader responsible for team performance, morale, and discipline.
- Built trust and cohesion within small teams through hands-on leadership and accountability.
- Executed leadership directives and translated them into actionable tasks.
- Coordinated movement, scheduling, and equipment readiness to support daily operations.
- Ensured compliance with standards, procedures, and timelines.
- Enforced safety, security, and operational standards in high-risk environments.
- Conducted inspections and checks to mitigate risk and ensure readiness.
Infantryman
Department Of Defence
Honolulu
06.2009 - 07.2012
- Executed assigned tasks as part of a disciplined team in high-pressure environments, supporting operational objectives.
- Maintained personal and team equipment readiness, ensuring accountability and proper maintenance of issued gear.
- Followed standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety protocols, and leadership directives with precision and reliability.
- Participated in continuous training to improve technical skills, physical readiness, and teamwork.
- Supported team operations through effective communication, adaptability, and attention to detail.
- Demonstrated reliability, resilience, and professionalism in demanding conditions.
- Strong ability to follow instructions, meet deadlines, and perform under pressure.
- Team-oriented mindset with a focus on accountability and safety.
- Consistent attendance, discipline, and commitment to performance standards.
Cashier Team Lead
Blockbuster Video
Wichita , KS
07.2007 - 05.2009
- Supervised cashier operations and ensured compliance with company policies.
- Trained new cashiers on register procedures and customer service standards.
- Managed cash handling processes, including balancing registers at shift end.
- Resolved customer complaints with effective communication and problem-solving skills.
- Coordinated team schedules to ensure adequate coverage during peak hours.
- Implemented inventory control measures for accurate stock management at checkout.
- Assisted in developing promotional displays to enhance customer engagement.
- Maintained a clean and organized work area to promote a positive environment.
- Assisted cashiers with resolving customer complaints and inquiries.
- Performed daily opening and closing procedures for the register area.
- Maintained a clean work environment by sweeping floors and wiping down counters regularly.
- Assisted with training new cashiers and customer service team members to increase speed of onboarding.
- Answered customer questions and provided store information.
- Developed strong working relationships with team members to foster collaboration.
- Processed refunds and exchanges according to company policy.
- Assisted customers with locating items within the store when requested.
- Supported other teams when necessary, such as stocking shelves or bagging groceries.
- Resolved discrepancies between POS system and physical money amounts in drawers at end of shift.
- Scanned, priced, and bagged customer groceries quickly to keep lines moving.
- Ensured compliance with all safety regulations while performing tasks.
- Processed payments promptly for customers to exceed productivity standards.
Pizza Cook
Pizza Hut
Wichita, Kansas
01.2006 - 07.2007
- Prepared pizza dough and ensured consistent quality.
- Topped pizzas with ingredients according to recipes.
- Monitored oven temperatures for optimal cooking results.
- Maintained cleanliness of kitchen and workstations.
- Assisted in inventory management and ingredient sourcing.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline service flow.
- Trained new staff on pizza preparation techniques.
- Implemented food safety practices during food handling.
- Ensured that all recipes were followed accurately when making pizzas.
- Kept work area clean by sweeping floors, washing surfaces, and disposing of trash.
- Prepared ingredients such as dough, sauce, and toppings for pizzas.
- Prepared dishes in fast-paced environment working with teammates to maintain high customer satisfaction rate.
- Complied with health department rules regarding sanitation practices in the kitchen.
- Placed prepared pizzas into the ovens to bake according to specified times and temperatures.
- Crafted pizzas using proper amount of dough and quantities of toppings according to specifications.
- Recorded customer orders by answering phone or taking information in person.
- Stocked freezers and refrigerators to maintain adequate supply of ingredients and products.
- Adhered to all health regulations regarding food storage and preparation.
- Notified managers when supplies were running low so they could be replenished.
- Stored food items correctly in designated containers and storage areas.
- Checked food quality and freshness of ingredients used in preparing pizzas.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Homeland Security And Emergency Managment
Columbus State University
Columbus, Georgia, GA 08.2025 - 01.2026
Skills
- Core Skills
- Team Leadership & Personnel Management
- Operations Planning & Execution
- Training Development & Instruction
- Risk Management & Safety Compliance
- Small Team & Unit Supervision (4–40 personnel)
- Performance Coaching, Counseling & Mentorship
- Accountability & Asset Management
- High-Pressure Decision Making
- Process Improvement & SOP Enforcement
Recruiting, Sales & Talent Acquisition
- Talent Acquisition & Candidate Screening
- High-Volume Recruiting & Pipeline Management
- Interviewing & Candidate Evaluation
- Performance Metrics & Goal Management
- Sales-Style Lead Generation & Conversion
- Community Outreach & Public Engagement
- CRM & Applicant Tracking Systems
- Compliance with Federal & Ethical Standards
Operations & Management
- Daily Operations Supervision
- Scheduling & Resource Allocation
- Cross-Functional Coordination
- Logistics & Equipment Readiness
- Administrative Oversight & Reporting
- Conflict Resolution & Discipline Management
Technical & sUAS Skills
- Government-Trained sUAS / Drone Operations
- Aerial Reconnaissance & Situational Awareness Support
- Flight Safety, Airspace Awareness & Risk Mitigation
- Pre-Flight / Post-Flight Inspections
- UAS Equipment Maintenance & Accountability
- Sensor Employment & Data Collection Support
Professional Strengths
- Leadership Under Pressure
- Clear & Effective Communication
- Adaptability in Dynamic Environments
- Integrity, Accountability & Attention to Detail
- Team-Focused, Mission-Driven Mindset
- Managed $8M in equipment
- Led teams of 4–40 personnel
- Logged 800 sUAS flight hours
- Zero safety or compliance violations
Certification
- Senior Training & Discipline Instructor (formerly Senior Drill Sergeant)
- Senior Operations & Personnel Supervisor (formerly Sergeant First Class, Infantry)
- Recruiting & Talent Acquisition Manager Training
- Government-Trained sUAS (Drone) Operator
- Advanced Leadership & Supervisor Development
- Instructor & Curriculum Delivery Qualification
- Safety, Risk Management & Compliance Training
- Ethics, Equal Opportunity & Professional Standards Training
Timeline
ROTC Cadet
Department Of Defence
08.2025 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Homeland Security And Emergency Managment
Columbus State University
08.2025 - 01.2026
Senior Drill Sergeant
Department Of Defence
04.2024 - 08.2025
U.S. Army Platoon Sergeant
Department Of Defence
01.2022 - 04.2024
Recruiter Manager
Department Of Defence
10.2019 - 08.2021
Infantryman squad leader
Department Of Defence
10.2016 - 10.2019
Recruiter
Department Of Defence
10.2013 - 10.2016
Infantry Team Leader
Department Of Defence
07.2011 - 08.2013
Infantryman
Department Of Defence
06.2009 - 07.2012
Cashier Team Lead
Blockbuster Video
07.2007 - 05.2009
Pizza Cook
Pizza Hut
01.2006 - 07.2007