Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Interests
Timeline
Generic

David Blanken

Chicago,IL

Summary

Professional leader with extensive experience in command roles, excelling in strategic planning and team leadership. Proven ability to drive mission success and maintain operational efficiency. Known for fostering collaboration and adaptability, ensuring mission readiness and team cohesion.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Glenview Recruiting Company Commander

U.S. Army Recruiting Command
06.2024 - Current
  • Led team in executing daily operational plans and objectives.
  • Developed training programs to enhance team performance and readiness.
  • Coordinated logistics for personnel deployments and resource allocations.
  • Ensured compliance with safety regulations and operational protocols.
  • Enhanced team cohesion through fostering a professional environment focused on mutual respect and open communication.
  • Fostered a culture of continuous improvement through encouraging innovation in tactical approaches and problem-solving techniques.
  • Evaluated personnel performance regularly, identifying areas for improvement while recognizing achievements through appropriate reward mechanisms.

OCT MLRS Team Leader

U.S. Army Active Duty
06.2022 - 05.2024
  • Led team operations to ensure mission readiness and effective execution of tasks.
  • Mentored junior soldiers, enhancing their skills and promoting professional development.
  • Developed training programs to improve team performance and operational efficiency.
  • Coordinated logistics for deployments, ensuring timely delivery of resources and equipment.
  • Empowered team members by delegating responsibilities according to individual strengths and areas of expertise.
  • Promoted culture of continuous improvement by encouraging feedback from all organizational levels and implementing actionable changes.
  • Fostered positive work environment, resulting in decreased employee turnover and increased team cohesion.
  • Mentored junior staff members, helping them develop their leadership potential and advance in their careers.

Canton Recruiting Company Commander

U.S. Army Recruiting Command
07.2020 - 06.2022
  • Led training programs to enhance soldiers' readiness and operational effectiveness.
  • Coordinated logistics for troop deployments, ensuring timely equipment distribution and resource allocation.
  • Served as an ambassador for the organization during community outreach events, strengthening relationships with local stakeholders and enhancing public understanding of military missions.
  • Monitored and assessed mission progress and provided updates to command.
  • Fostered a culture of continuous improvement through encouraging innovation in tactical approaches and problem-solving techniques.
  • Evaluated personnel performance regularly, identifying areas for improvement while recognizing achievements through appropriate reward mechanisms.

Basic Training Company Commander

U.S. Army Active Duty
10.2018 - 07.2020
  • Led training exercises to enhance unit readiness and operational effectiveness.
  • Developed and implemented standard operating procedures for improved mission execution.
  • Supervised logistics operations, ensuring timely supply chain management and resource allocation.
  • Coordinated joint exercises with allied forces to strengthen interagency collaboration and communication.
  • Mentored junior officers, fostering leadership skills and promoting professional development within the unit.
  • Maintained high levels of discipline within the unit by enforcing standards consistently while providing constructive feedback for personal development.
  • Developed strong relationships with higher headquarters and external agencies, supporting effective collaboration and mission success.
  • Conducted thorough risk assessments to mitigate potential hazards during training exercises and operational deployments.

Battalion Supply Officer

U.S. Army Active Duty
06.2017 - 06.2018
  • Managed supply chain logistics, ensuring timely delivery of essential materials to operational units.
  • Coordinated inventory control processes to maintain optimal stock levels and reduce excess.
  • Streamlined procurement procedures, enhancing efficiency in order processing and fulfillment.
  • Led cross-functional teams in coordinating complex supply missions during joint operations, enhancing inter-agency collaboration.
  • Developed logistical support plans for training exercises, ensuring resource availability and mission success.
  • Managed budgetary constraints effectively, ensuring efficient allocation of resources across various departments.
  • Evaluated potential risks in the supply chain and developed contingency plans to mitigate disruptions effectively.

Senior Defense Offical AIDE

U.S. Army U.S. Embassy
10.2016 - 04.2017
  • Assisted in daily operations, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to safety protocols.
  • Compiled and analyzed data to produce reports.
  • Input data into spreadsheets and databases.
  • Coordinated and scheduled meetings and appointments.
  • Edited and proofread documents for accuracy and completeness.
  • Supported staff on special assignments and ad hoc projects.

Plans Operations Officer

U.S. Army Active Duty
01.2016 - 10.2016
  • Developed and implemented operational strategies to enhance workflow efficiency.
  • Analyzed data trends to inform decision-making and improve process accuracy.
  • Coordinated cross-functional teams to execute plans aligned with organizational objectives.
  • Streamlined communication channels, facilitating timely updates among stakeholders.
  • Led initiatives to optimize resource allocation, resulting in reduced operational costs.
  • Conducted risk assessments to identify potential challenges and develop mitigation strategies.
  • Evaluated project outcomes, providing insights for continuous improvement and strategic planning.
  • Optimized resource allocation by monitoring project progress closely and reallocating resources as needed to maintain efficiency across all ongoing initiatives.
  • Established a proactive approach towards problem-solving, mitigating any potential issues before they escalated into larger problems.
  • Coordinated with other departments to ensure seamless integration of plans operations within the organization.
  • Analyzed data and trends to make informed decisions regarding plan adjustments or modifications.
  • Ensured the successful execution of plans and operations by conducting thorough after-action reviews, identifying lessons learned, and implementing necessary improvements for future initiatives.

Assistant Operations Officer

U.S. Army Active Duty
02.2015 - 12.2015
  • Streamlined operational processes, enhancing efficiency and reducing turnaround times.
  • Coordinated cross-departmental communication to ensure project alignment and resource availability.
  • Analyzed workflow data to identify areas for process improvement and cost reduction initiatives.
  • Developed training materials for new staff, fostering knowledge retention and operational consistency.
  • Drove strategic initiatives that aligned departmental goals with overall organizational objectives.
  • Streamlined operations by identifying inefficiencies and implementing process improvements.
  • Implemented project tracking tools, improving transparency and accountability across teams.
  • Planned and coordinated tactical movements of personnel and equipment.
  • Communicated with command centers to develop and execute tactical plans.
  • Integrated intelligence activities into other military operations, plans and programs.
  • Conducted and oversaw interrogations, briefings and debriefings.
  • Monitored and assessed mission progress and provided updates to command.
  • Devised and implemented battle plans to achieve tactical objectives.

Executive Officer

U.S. Army Active Duty
06.2013 - 05.2014
  • Established performance metrics to monitor progress and optimize team productivity.
  • Directed resource allocation and budget management to align with organizational goals.
  • Facilitated high-level meetings, ensuring alignment of objectives among executive leadership and departments.
  • Established strong relationships with key stakeholders to enhance collaboration and drive business success.
  • Fostered a culture of innovation, leading to the development of new products and services.
  • Double checked inventories and made inventory schedules with supply sergeant.
  • Double checked travel logistics before movement.
  • Managed complex projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely delivery within budget constraints.
  • Monitored unit training and training schedules.
  • Reduced operational risks while organizing data to forecast performance trends.
  • Reported issues to higher management with great detail.

Fire Direction Officer

U.S. Army Active Duty
09.2012 - 05.2013
  • Supervised fire support operations, ensuring precise targeting and effective coordination of artillery units.
  • Developed tactical plans and strategies for mission execution, optimizing resource allocation and troop deployment.
  • Trained junior officers on fire direction procedures, enhancing team efficiency and operational readiness.
  • Analyzed battlefield data to assess enemy positions, improving accuracy of artillery strikes during live operations.
  • Coordinated and conducted risk management assessments for all fire direction center operations, ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment during training exercises and combat missions.
  • Conducted performance reviews of fire direction systems, recommending upgrades that increased operational effectiveness.
  • Coordinated joint exercises with allied forces, fostering collaboration and interoperability in diverse environments.
  • Led after-action reviews to identify lessons learned, driving continuous improvement in fire support tactics and procedures.
  • Participated in joint exercises with international partners, fostering cooperation and interoperability among allied forces.
  • Analyzed target data, ensuring precise calculations for successful mission execution.

Fire Support Officer

U.S. Army Active Duty
12.2010 - 08.2012
  • Coordinated artillery support to enhance mission effectiveness and operational readiness.
  • Analyzed intelligence reports to determine optimal fire support strategies for ground forces.
  • Developed detailed fire support plans in collaboration with joint military units and stakeholders.
  • Led training exercises focused on improving team performance in high-pressure environments.
  • Advised higher echelons on fire support capabilities and limitations, ensuring realistic expectations and effective utilization of assets.
  • Collaborated with other military branches to optimize fire support coordination during joint operations.
  • Assisted in the development of tactical plans, contributing to successful campaign outcomes in various operational environments.

Education

Anthropology

Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS
05-2010

Bachelor of Arts - History

University of Nevada Las Vegas
Las Vegas
05-2006

Skills

  • Team motivation
  • Delegation and empowerment
  • Public speaking
  • Innovation and creativity
  • Conflict management
  • Mentoring and coaching
  • Recruitment
  • Budgeting and finance
  • Teamwork and loyalty
  • Military operations
  • Time management
  • Multitasking

Accomplishments

  • Supervised team of 30 staff members.
  • #1 of 54 Recruiting Companies in 3rd Recruiting Brigade 2025.
  • Recognized as as #1 of 54 Recruiting Companies in 3rd Recruiting Brigade 2024

Certification

U.S. Army Recruiters Badge

Interests

  • Gym Workouts
  • Martial Arts
  • Regularly practice mindfulness and meditation for overall wellness
  • Shooting
  • Flying (Private Pilots Lisence)
  • Military History
  • Strategic Analysis
  • Team Building
  • Escape Rooms

Timeline

Glenview Recruiting Company Commander

U.S. Army Recruiting Command
06.2024 - Current

OCT MLRS Team Leader

U.S. Army Active Duty
06.2022 - 05.2024

Canton Recruiting Company Commander

U.S. Army Recruiting Command
07.2020 - 06.2022

Basic Training Company Commander

U.S. Army Active Duty
10.2018 - 07.2020

Battalion Supply Officer

U.S. Army Active Duty
06.2017 - 06.2018

Senior Defense Offical AIDE

U.S. Army U.S. Embassy
10.2016 - 04.2017

Plans Operations Officer

U.S. Army Active Duty
01.2016 - 10.2016

Assistant Operations Officer

U.S. Army Active Duty
02.2015 - 12.2015

Executive Officer

U.S. Army Active Duty
06.2013 - 05.2014

Fire Direction Officer

U.S. Army Active Duty
09.2012 - 05.2013

Fire Support Officer

U.S. Army Active Duty
12.2010 - 08.2012

Anthropology

Kansas State University

Bachelor of Arts - History

University of Nevada Las Vegas

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