John Christer
Summary
Experienced professional adept at overseeing recruitment, training, and leadership development within the United States Army. Skilled in pinpointing areas for improvement and creating tailored training programs to enhance the skills of junior personnel. Proficient in crafting engaging lessons and activities to broaden learning horizons and elevate student achievement. Demonstrated expertise in providing professional leadership and guidance as an instructor, mentor, and facilitator. Effective communicator with a track record of fostering collaboration across diverse teams, stakeholders, and senior leadership.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Organizational Training Manager / Course Developer, Instructor, and Manager
US Army 5th Recruiting BDE
08.2021 - Current
- Oversee management personnel training/facilitation and implementation across one of five Army Recruiting brigades in the US
- Manage training program with associated record-keeping and individual training for area/district recruiting managers and supervisory level training by collaborating with the mobile recruiting training team
- Build high-performing teams through effective recruitment, training and talent development initiatives.
- Facilitate successful cross-functional collaborations for the completion of key projects, fostering strong working relationships among team members.
Company First Sergeant
San Antonio Recruiting BN, 5th BDE
05.2020 - 07.2021
- Supported the Commander as the senior enlisted advisor; responsible for the welfare and wellbeing for over 40 senior Non-Commissioned Officers and their families.
- Streamlined recruitment processes and procedures, resulting in a 20 percent reduction in the time-to-hire and improved overall efficiency.
- Implemented technology solutions to automate administrative tasks, allowing recruiters to focus more on building relationships and identifying qualified candidates.
- Developed and conducted training programs monthly to enhance the skills and knowledge of recruiters, resulting in improved performance and retention rates.
- Led and motivated a team of recruiters to achieve exceptional performance, resulting in recognition as the top-performing recruiting company within the brigade for both Army and Army Reserve recruiting.
Station Commander
Houston Recruiting BN, 5th BDE
01.2018 - 05.2020
- Developed targeted tactics based on recruitment goals and requirements; empowered the Soldiers to identify specific demographics backgrounds, geographical placement and specialized skill sets of potential prospects.
- Implemented data-driven methods; Used data analytics in order to identify potential recruitment trends, target high-potential areas, and track the effectiveness of different tactics.
- created marketing campaigns that enhanced outreach efforts to connect with a wider pool of candidates which resulted in the highest number of enlistments recorded for the station two consecutive years.
- recognized by multiple media outlets and influencers by working with local businesses and creating a weekly televised news release "The Life of a Soldier".
Army Recruiter
Houston West Company, Houston Recruiting BN
09.2016 - 01.2018
- Received recognition from the Command Sergeant of the Army for the highest number of recruits enlisted in a single year.
- Solely produced 48 percent of the station's enlistments that required 132 overall enlistment contracts.
- Successfully facilitated the transition of recruits from enlistment to basic training, ensuring a smooth onboarding process.
- Conducted presentations at schools, job fairs, and community events to promote the benefits of military service.
- Exceeded recruitment targets consistently by implementing innovative outreach strategies and networking with key influencers throughout the city.
- Enhanced recruitment process for faster hiring by utilizing various sourcing tools such as job boards, social media, and networking events.
S3 Senior Operations NCO
2-327 Infantry, 101st Infantry Division
12.2013 - 09.2016
- Assist in the development and implementation of training programs to ensure unit readiness to prepare for deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom
- Supervised and mentored a staff of 26 personnel that was made up of six NATO allie countries. Collectively performed flawless security operations that secured Kandahar base, airfield, 22,000 personnel and equipment.
- Coordinated logistical support, including transportation, supplies, and equipment, that ensured operational requirements are met throughout southern Afghanistan.
- Played a pivotal role in the integration of new technology and systems, increasing operational efficiency and effectiveness
- Played a key role in the successful planning and execution of multiple large-scale military operations, ensuring mission objectives were met.
Senior Drill Sergeant
189th Infantry Brigade
12.2010 - 12.2013
- Organized realistic combat scenarios during field exercises as a means of enhancing situational awareness skills among participants.
- Conducted regular evaluations of soldier progress, providing constructive feedback for improvement when necessary.
- Taught and enforced Army values and military standards.
- Used established procedures to develop fresh recruits into competent soldiers.
- Selected as the 2012 Drill Sergeant of the year by the training and doctrine command
- Trained, developed, evaluated and motivated a team of 12 instructors and a total of over 2,700 newly assigned recruits.
Infantry Team Leader
1-12 Combined Arms Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division
04.2005 - 12.2010
- Utilized tactical expertise to make critical decisions under pressure, leading to successful outcomes in high-stress situations.
- Implemented innovative tactics and strategies that contributed to the success of complex military operations during two deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom
- Provided situational reports to chain of command, maintaining transparency and enabling effective decision-making at higher levels.
- Trained teams on emergency situation preparedness, tactical planning, equipment maintenance, and weapon use.
- Received awards and decorations meritorious service in combat situations.
- Served as a role model and mentor to junior soldiers, instilling discipline, professionalism, and a strong sense of duty.
- Provide guidance and direction to team members during combat engagements, ensuring adherence to tactics and procedures.
- Maximized operational effectiveness with careful resource allocation and logistics management.
- Trained soldiers on military structure, etiquette and environmental survival tactics.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Professional Studies -Leadership
Purdue Global University
West Lafayette, IN01.2025
Skills
- Operations Management
- Human Resource Management
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Talent Acquisition & Management
- Administrative Support
- Leadership & Staff Development
- Microsoft 365 Online Suite
- TMT Power Platform
- Adobe DC
- Blackboard Learn
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Verbal and written communication
Honors Certifications
- US Army Airborne Qualified
- Instructor Certified
- Master Resiliency Trainer Certified
- Sexual Harassment / Assault Prevention Leader Certified
- Guidance Counselor Qualified
- Distinguished Honor Graduate Warrior Leader's Course
- Senior Leader's Course
- Master Leader's Course
- Instructor Leader Course
- Drill Sergeant Academy
- Recruiting & Retention Course
Affiliations
- Infantry Association - Lifetime Member
Certification
- Certified Master Trainer, USAREC - 2021 to present
Timeline
Organizational Training Manager / Course Developer, Instructor, and Manager
US Army 5th Recruiting BDE
08.2021 - Current
Company First Sergeant
San Antonio Recruiting BN, 5th BDE
05.2020 - 07.2021
Station Commander
Houston Recruiting BN, 5th BDE
01.2018 - 05.2020
Army Recruiter
Houston West Company, Houston Recruiting BN
09.2016 - 01.2018
S3 Senior Operations NCO
2-327 Infantry, 101st Infantry Division
12.2013 - 09.2016
Senior Drill Sergeant
189th Infantry Brigade
12.2010 - 12.2013
Infantry Team Leader
1-12 Combined Arms Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division
04.2005 - 12.2010
Bachelor of Science - Professional Studies -Leadership
Purdue Global University
- Certified Master Trainer, USAREC - 2021 to present
Similar Profiles
JACOB ARRIAGAJACOB ARRIAGA
Senior Advisor/Operations Manager at US Army Headquarters 194th AR BDESenior Advisor/Operations Manager at US Army Headquarters 194th AR BDE
John Louis AbellanaJohn Louis Abellana
Veteran at US ARMY (173rd ABN BDE)Veteran at US ARMY (173rd ABN BDE)
Emmet MatherEmmet Mather
Staff Operations and Training Specialist at United States Army Reserve, USAR Interrogation BDEStaff Operations and Training Specialist at United States Army Reserve, USAR Interrogation BDE