JESSICA S. ARMSTRONG
Arlington,VA
Summary
Dedicated, accomplished Army Officer with proven success overseeing highly effective Human Resources operations both stateside and in Afghanistan, Kuwait, Iraq and Hawaii; currently serving as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Manpower and Personnel. Noted by superiors as an “outstanding Officer and brilliant leader.” Innovative and determined Officer who is driven to streamline processes, achieve operational efficiency, and positively affect the bottom line. Excels in leading HR initiatives and fostering operational efficiency, while also mentoring teams and cultivating a culture of continuous improvement across organizations. Extensive background in Defense Policy, Budget, and Congressional Affairs, supported by a master’s in professional studies focused on Legislative Affairs and a master’s in human resources.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Lieutenant Colonel | Assistant to the Chief of Staff, Manpower and Personnel
UNITED STATES ARMY
Schofield Barracks, Hawaii
01.2006 - Current
- Served as Senior Human Resources Advisor for the U.S
- Army Hawaii and the 25th Infantry Division, leading HR initiatives supporting over 12,000 service members and their families through effective personnel readiness management
- Expertly manages project and operational synchronization, implementing strategic process improvements that significantly enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of HR services
- Fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation across diverse teams, mentoring a workforce of 30 military and 6 civilian personnel to drive organizational success
- Committed to empowering individuals through targeted training and development initiatives, strategically aligning HR practices with organizational goals to enhance mission readiness and improve overall personnel welfare
Lieutenant Colonel | Executive Assistant
THE JOINT STAFF
Washington D.C.
01.2006 - Current
- Company Overview: Pentagon, Washington D.C
- Executive Assistant to the Director of Manpower and Personnel for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS), providing high-level project management and change management support to senior military leadership
- Ensured the accurate and timely preparation of critical reports, information papers, and analytics for the President of the United States, Secretary of Defense, and CJCS, facilitating informed decision-making
- Actively participated in process improvement initiatives, contributing to enhanced operational efficiency and effectiveness within the Manpower and Personnel division
- Pentagon, Washington D.C
Lieutenant Colonel | Joint Policy Advisor
THE JOINT STAFF
Washington D.C.
01.2006 - Current
- Company Overview: Pentagon, Washington D.C
- Joint Personnel Readiness Planner and Policy Advisor within the Military Personnel Policy Branch, managing projects and implementing strategic manpower and personnel readiness policies for the CJCS and Director for Manpower and Personnel
- Advised the President of the United States, the Secretary of Defense, and the Chairman on manpower and personnel matters, optimizing readiness and sustainability to support global integration and dynamic force employment initiatives
- Engaged in change management by collaborating with OSD and Joint Staff leaders to recommend and implement updates to key policies, including Compensation, Leave and Liberty, and DoD Postal/Military Mail, ensuring alignment with operational needs
- Led process improvement efforts through the preparation of responses to Joint Staff taskers and the facilitation of training and development initiatives, enhancing personnel capabilities and aligning strategies with broader defense objectives
- Pentagon, Washington D.C
Major | SOJTF-OIR J1 Director
SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND
01.2006 - Current
- Company Overview: Kuwait & Iraq
- Served as Director of Joint Manpower and Personnel for the U.S
- Special Operations Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve, advising the Commanding General on critical manpower and personnel issues affecting over 3,500 personnel across U.S
- Military and Coalition Forces
- Provided strategic guidance on manpower acquisition, strength reporting, personnel administration, and essential services including wartime awards, casualty, finance, evaluations, and promotions for a diverse group of personnel
- Spearheaded the planning and execution of personnel-related operations in the Iraqi and Syrian Combined Joint Operations Area, supporting Special Operations missions and optimizing personnel readiness for a dynamic and complex environment
- Kuwait & Iraq
Major | Executive Officer for the Vice Director of the Army Staff
1ST SPECIAL FORCES COMMAND, 95TH CIVIL AFFAIRS
Fort Bragg, North Carolina
01.2006 - Current
- Company Overview: Fort Bragg, North Carolina
- Served as Senior Human Resource Officer for the DOD’s only active component Special Operations Airborne Civil Affairs Brigade, overseeing HR support for over 1,650 personnel and ensuring operational readiness for five geographic combatant commanders
- Acted as principal advisor to the Brigade Commander on personnel readiness and human resources matters, managing comprehensive HR functions including strength management, finance, evaluations, awards, and casualty operations
- Provided strategic direction and mentorship to a team of 6 officers and 45 enlisted HR personnel, fostering a collaborative environment to enhance HR services and support for Brigade members and their families
- Fort Bragg, North Carolina
Major | Congressional Budget Liaison ASA(FM&C)
Office of the Assistant to the Secretary of the Army Financial Mngmt & Comptroller
Washington D.C.
01.2006 - Current
- Company Overview: Pentagon, Washington D.C
- Represented Secretary of the Army as Congressional Budget Liaison, engaging with House and Senate Appropriations Committees on critical issues, including Operations and Maintenance and Overseas Contingency Operations, to advocate for Army funding
- Led the coordination and synchronization of engagements between the Army and Congressional Appropriations Committees, ensuring alignment on budgetary matters and enhancing the effectiveness of Army Senior Leaders during Congressional hearings
- Advised the Chief of Congressional Budget Liaison on appropriations activities for FY18 and FY19, driving informed decision-making and overseeing global planning and execution of oversight missions to evaluate and represent Army operations and initiatives
- Pentagon, Washington D.C
Asst. Executive Officer to Chief of Legislative Liaisons Asst.
U.S. Army HQDA, Office of the Chief Legislative Liaison
Washington D.C.
01.2006 - Current
- Company Overview: Pentagon, Washington D.C
- Directed and managed all administrative support functions for the Office of the Chief of Legislative Liaison, reporting directly to the 2-star General Officer, enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness
- Served as Executive Officer in the absence of leadership, maintaining continuity of operations and ensuring strategic communication with Members of Congress and senior Department of Defense officials
- Provided expert advice and guidance on procedural policies to organizational directors and staff, facilitating the seamless preparation of high-profile presentations, ceremonies, and events involving the Chief of Legislative Liaison
- Acted as a Strategic Planner for critical initiatives tied to the Congressional calendar, aligning organizational activities with legislative priorities to support the CLL's mission and objectives
- Managed the Army Congressional Fellowship Program, collaborating with high-level defense offices to select, train, and assign Congressional fellows, while fostering professional development and post-fellowship placement opportunities
- Pentagon, Washington D.C
Department of Defense Congressional Fellow and Military Legislative Assistant
UNITED STATES SENATOR BARBARA A. MIKULSKI’S OFFICE
Washington D.C.
01.2006 - Current
- Company Overview: Washington D.C
- Works on the personal staff of U.S
- Senator Barbara A
- Mikulski who is the Chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and responsible for the entire Department of Defense (DoD), Military Construction, and Veterans Affairs appropriations budgets and over 500,000 military service members and veterans in the state of Maryland
- Serves as the primary defense advisor to the Senator in the oversight of the DoD, Overseas Contingency Operations, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Budgets of more than $650 billion for Fiscal Year 2017
- Coordinates directly with Professional Committee Staff members, executive agencies, constituents, national organizations, and lobbying groups for industry at the local, state, and national level
- Conducts legislative research and analysis, prepares vote recommendations, coordinates requests on major defense programs, prepares congressional hearing information, and drafts speeches for a Member of Congress
- Washington D.C
Captain | Executive Officer for the Vice Director of the Army Staff
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF, ARMY
Washington D.C.
01.2006 - Current
- Company Overview: Pentagon, Washington D.C
- Served as the Executive Officer for the Vice Director of the Army Staff, facilitated communications across the Army Staff, Secretariat, Headquarters Department of the Army, and leadership of the Department of Defense, Joint Staff, and other Services
- Compiled more than 30 information papers on 2014-release and reintegration of SGT Bowe Bergdahl for Secretary of Defense and Combined Joint Chief of Staff
- Orchestrated 2014 Jay Leno and Wounded Warrior Project, a televised event
- Pentagon, Washington D.C
Captain | Plans and Operations Officer in Charge
3D INFANTRY DIVISION
Fort Stewart, Georgia
01.2006 - Current
- Company Overview: Fort Stewart, Georgia
- Served as the Human Resources Operations Officer for a Division Headquarters, provided planning and operational support
- Planned and administered the restructure for 4 Brigade Combat Teams and orchestrated the movement of nearly 4,700 Soldiers across the Division and within the Army
- Published all human resource related Operational Orders to more than 23,000 Soldiers within the Division
- Planned and resourced assets for Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercises for 16 Quick Reaction Force units
- Fort Stewart, Georgia
Captain | Human Resources Officer in Charge / Battalion Adjutant
3D INFANTRY DIVISION
Afghanistan
01.2006 - Current
- Company Overview: Afghanistan
- Served as Human Resources Officer for a Combined Joint Task Force Headquarters Battalion supporting 1,250 Soldiers, Civilians, and Coalition Forces in South Afghanistan
- Provided personnel service support including accounting and reporting, records maintenance, requisitions, administration, postal operations, promotions, evaluations, casualty reporting, awards and decorations
- Produced an online customer service support page consisting of 30 continuity archives, generating efficiency and consistency amongst paperwork submissions
- Recognized as the battalion’s “Legionnaire” for outstanding customer service and continued support in the human resources department
- Afghanistan
Captain | Human Resources Officer in Charge / Plans and Operations / Battalion Adjutant
3D INFANTRY DIVISION
Fort Stewart, Georgia
01.2006 - Current
- Company Overview: FORT STEWART, GEORGIA
- Served as Human Resources Officer for a Division Headquarters supporting 1,200 Soldiers; coordinated 100% personnel strength, accounting and reporting, records maintenance, requisitions, postal operations, promotions, evaluations, awards and decorations; administered an evaluations tracking system, identifying and correcting a deficient system
- Cited by senior rater as “the best company grade Officer in the battalion” who’s “leadership has been instrumental in improving the readiness of the battalion.”
- FORT STEWART, GEORGIA
Captain | Human Resources Officer in Charge / Battalion Adjutant
68TH COMBAT SUSTAINMENT SUPPORT BATTALION
Afghanistan
01.2006 - Current
- Company Overview: Afghanistan
- Cited by senior rater as “the best Battalion Adjutant I have seen in 21 years” who “displayed an incredible range of skills, which far exceeded the competency of her peers.”
- Recommended by Colonel Thomas Rivard to be considered for a nominative assignment with a General Officer, the Department of Defense, or with a Congressional Office
- Provided comprehensive human resources support to 860 Soldiers deployed to South Afghanistan
- Developed a series of “highly effective” administrative tracking systems essential in processing 240 Combat Action Badges, 7 Purple Hearts, 2,250 awards, 950 leave packets and published 12 news articles in less than 18 months
- Wrote a casualty standard operating procedure adopted by Fort Carson Casualty Assistance Center
- Afghanistan
First Lieutenant | Human Resources Officer in Charge / Battalion Adjutant
68TH COMBAT SUSTAINMENT SUPPORT BATTALION
Fort Carson, Colorado
01.2006 - Current
- Company Overview: Fort Carson, Colorado
- Praised by superior “as one of the best lieutenants that I have served with in 15 years” whose “performance was nothing but exceptional,” and who “expertly ran a world-class section and superbly managed Battalion S1 operations with ease.”
- Advised the Commander regarding personnel, appointments, Army doctrine and HR policies
- Noted as “instrumental” in redeployment of 900+ Soldiers within 5 different companies from Iraq and Afghanistan
- Delivered seamless support for 600 Soldiers supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom operations; ensured all personnel records to include life insurance policies and emergency contact data were accurate
- Fort Carson, Colorado
Second Lieutenant | Brigade Strength Manager
43D Sustainment Brigade
Fort Carson, Colorado
01.2006 - Current
- Company Overview: Fort Carson, Colorado
- Served as Brigade Strength Manager with 6 companies and 2 Battalions supporting 800+ Soldiers
- Regarded as “an outstanding Soldier” who “successfully completes all assigned tasks.”
- Managed Officer and Enlisted personnel management systems
- Updated operating procedures for Casualty Assistance Operations and civilian awards
- Developed policy letters for Post-Deployment/Mobilization Respite Absence, and Family Readiness Group change cards
- Fort Carson, Colorado
Education
Master of Arts - Legislative Affairs
GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
Washington, D.C.01.2016
Master of Arts - Human Resources Management
WEBSTER UNIVERSITY
St. Louis, Missouri01.2012
Bachelor of Business Administration -
UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO - COLORADO SPRINGS
Colorado Springs, Colorado01.2004
Skills
- Organization Manning
- Monitoring/Evaluation
- Large Scale Projects
- Policy/Procedure Development
- Administration and Staff Oversight
- HR Planning and Operations
- Standard Operating Procedures
- Personnel Strength Reporting
- Operational Readiness
Clearance
01/01/09, Present, Top Secret/SCI
Trainingawardshonors
AG Pre-Command Course, Battalion Pre-Command Course, Human Resource Plans and Operations, Equal Opportunity Leaders Course, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Ribbon (4), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Joint Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2), Army Achievement Medal (2), Meritorious Unit Citation (2), NATO Medal (2), Afghan Campaign Medal (2), Overseas Service Ribbon (2), National Defense Service Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon
Timeline
Lieutenant Colonel | Assistant to the Chief of Staff, Manpower and Personnel
UNITED STATES ARMY
01.2006 - Current
Lieutenant Colonel | Executive Assistant
THE JOINT STAFF
01.2006 - Current
Lieutenant Colonel | Joint Policy Advisor
THE JOINT STAFF
01.2006 - Current
Major | SOJTF-OIR J1 Director
SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND
01.2006 - Current
Major | Executive Officer for the Vice Director of the Army Staff
1ST SPECIAL FORCES COMMAND, 95TH CIVIL AFFAIRS
01.2006 - Current
Major | Congressional Budget Liaison ASA(FM&C)
Office of the Assistant to the Secretary of the Army Financial Mngmt & Comptroller
01.2006 - Current
Asst. Executive Officer to Chief of Legislative Liaisons Asst.
U.S. Army HQDA, Office of the Chief Legislative Liaison
01.2006 - Current
Department of Defense Congressional Fellow and Military Legislative Assistant
UNITED STATES SENATOR BARBARA A. MIKULSKI’S OFFICE
01.2006 - Current
Captain | Executive Officer for the Vice Director of the Army Staff
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF, ARMY
01.2006 - Current
Captain | Plans and Operations Officer in Charge
3D INFANTRY DIVISION
01.2006 - Current
Captain | Human Resources Officer in Charge / Battalion Adjutant
3D INFANTRY DIVISION
01.2006 - Current
Captain | Human Resources Officer in Charge / Plans and Operations / Battalion Adjutant
3D INFANTRY DIVISION
01.2006 - Current
Captain | Human Resources Officer in Charge / Battalion Adjutant
68TH COMBAT SUSTAINMENT SUPPORT BATTALION
01.2006 - Current
First Lieutenant | Human Resources Officer in Charge / Battalion Adjutant
68TH COMBAT SUSTAINMENT SUPPORT BATTALION
01.2006 - Current
Second Lieutenant | Brigade Strength Manager
43D Sustainment Brigade
01.2006 - Current
Master of Arts - Legislative Affairs
GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
Master of Arts - Human Resources Management
WEBSTER UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Business Administration -
UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO - COLORADO SPRINGS