MARIO FRANCO

Integration Management: Led the integration of Command and Control Information Environment (C2IE) systems into command processes, including organizing and coordinating Battle Rhythm events and ensuring the seamless documentation of procedures

• Technical Support and Training: Provided on-site and virtual technical support to command staff, developing and delivering comprehensive training programs
• Created detailed Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to enhance system usage
• Data Assimilation and Analysis: Enhanced situational awareness by assimilating data and integrating advanced visualization technologies into the Common Operating Picture (COP), facilitating better decision-making
• User Training and Support: Designed and implemented user training programs to ensure effective utilization of C2IE systems, tailored to various levels of command staff from entry-level to senior leadership
• Liaison and Feedback: Acted as a primary point of contact between the command and the Government Program Management Office (PMO), providing ongoing feedback on system deficiencies, anomalies, and best practices to improve system performance and user experience
• Collaboration and Coordination: Collaborated with diverse command units, including the SOJ33 Division, SOJ35 Joint Effects, and SOJ39 Civil Affairs, to improve C2IE processes and ensure effective tracking and analysis of Operational Activities (OAIs) across the continent
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintained comprehensive technical documentation, high-level enterprise architectures, and regular reports to track progress, system performance, and integration outcomes
• Process Improvement: Identified and implemented process improvements to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of C2IE system usage, including streamlining data entry processes and enhancing data integration capabilities
• Strategic Planning: Supported strategic planning efforts by integrating C2IE systems into the SOCAFRICA Campaign Support Plan (CSP) and USAFRICOM Campaign Order, ensuring alignment with broader mission objectives
• Cross-functional Engagement: Participated in cross-functional working groups and meetings, such as the USAFRICOM Information Integration Community of Interest and the Global CIL Sync, to share insights and align on best practices
• Sensitive Activities Management: Created C2IE workspaces for Command Sensitive Activities (SA) within C2IE, enabling secure and efficient tracking of OAIs and supporting the SOJ33 Joint Operations Center (JOC) in monitoring SA activities
• Successfully integrated C2IE systems into command processes, enhancing operational efficiency, data analysis, and situational awareness
• Provided comprehensive training to users, significantly improving their capability to utilize C2IE systems

• Provided expert IAMD support, ensuring effective planning, coordination, and assessments that enhanced operational readiness and strategic capabilities
• Coordinated comprehensive EUCOM training programs and C4ISR simulation capabilities, improving interoperability and preparedness across the command
• Managed the IAMD C2IE workspace and NATO Air Missile Defense Capabilities Matrix, maintaining up-to-date and accurate data critical for defense planning and operations
• Delivered targeted professional development courses, enhancing the skills and knowledge of military personnel, and supported exercise training objectives to ensure mission success

• Conducted comprehensive research and analysis on unmanned aircraft system (UAS) threats, developing robust training solutions to enhance defense capabilities
• Led the ECJ34-IAMD effort in integrating C2IE systems, ensuring accurate and timely reporting requirements were met, thus improving situational awareness and decision-making processes
• Supported the implementation of C-UAS operational strategies by providing critical data management recommendations that optimized defense operations
• Coordinated effectively with the Joint Operations Center (JCO), delivering essential administrative support and facilitating seamless communication and operational efficiency within the Anti-terrorism Division
• Engaged in collaborative efforts with NATO counterparts, ensuring alignment and interoperability in C-UAS strategies and operations across allied forces

• Led the management of maintenance readiness reporting and data management for the APS-2 - European Activity Set (EAS), ensuring comprehensive and accurate readiness assessments
• Maintained data integrity across all reports, generating detailed maintenance-related reports that informed strategic decision-making and operational readiness
• Conducted thorough monthly Commander's Unit Status Reports (CUSRs) for the 405th Army Field Support Brigade, providing critical insights into unit performance and readiness levels
• Utilized advanced data analysis techniques to identify trends, discrepancies, and areas for improvement, enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the readiness reporting process
• Developed and implemented data management best practices, ensuring the reliable and timely delivery of accurate information to senior leadership and stakeholders

Evaluated the consequences of disruptions on critical infrastructure in the USEUCOM Area of Responsibility (AOR), ensuring mission-critical assets were safeguarded

• Developed the USEUCOM Strategic Asset List (SAL) and determined interdependencies between assets, enhancing strategic planning and resource allocation
• Planned and facilitated comprehensive vulnerability assessments and maintained a robust risk management matrix, mitigating potential threats to critical infrastructure
• Prepared and delivered detailed briefings on USEUCOM critical infrastructure status for senior leadership, informing strategic decisions and operational planning
• Identified, documented, and assessed critical infrastructure essential for supporting command missions, incorporating findings into deliberate and crisis action planning
• Conducted thorough Mission Assurance Assessments and Surveys, identifying threats and vulnerabilities to enhance overall security posture
• Collaborated closely with NATO counterparts, ensuring interoperability and alignment in critical infrastructure protection strategies and operations

• Planned and managed civil affairs operations for a 204-personnel battalion, ensuring mission success and operational readiness
• Coordinated operations and projects in support of SOUTHCOM, NGOs, IO, and other agencies, fostering robust interagency collaboration and achieving strategic objectives
• Led the Civil Affairs Engagement Program (CAEP) and Humanitarian Assistance (HA) missions, enhancing community relations and providing critical support to affected populations
• Managed communications, OPSEC, force development, and modernization in garrison, optimizing resources and improving operational capabilities
• Conducted civil military information analysis and reconnaissance, providing actionable intelligence to support mission planning and execution
• Liaised with local, state, and federal law enforcement, DOD, and intelligence agencies, strengthening interagency relationships and improving collaborative efforts
• Managed anti-terrorism and physical security programs, ensuring the safety and security of personnel and facilities
• Developed and executed comprehensive force protection training programs, enhancing the preparedness and resilience of the battalion
• Oversaw budgetary transactions, ensuring efficient allocation and utilization of resources
• Assisted in managing and executing the physical security program, protecting US Army personnel, material, and information from threats and vulnerabilities

• Senior Operations Manager at USAFRICOM, Operations and Cyber Directorate, J35 Future Operations Division
• Served on three large USAFRICOM operations, including the Ebola Crisis, on the operational planning team (OPT) conducting crisis-action planning and future operations using the Joint Operation Planning Process
• Provided critical civil affairs expertise to humanitarian crisis operations in South Sudan and Central African Republic, developing strategic communications programs and coordinating complex evacuations
• As Knowledge Management Officer (KMO), developed timely RFI responses, engaged with intelligence support organizations, and maintained situational awareness at the Command Center and Joint Operations Center (JOC)
• Managed comprehensive security operations, including force protection, physical security, and SCIF management, ensuring compliance with regulations and safeguarding classified materials
• Supported ISR asset distribution and counter-terrorism planning, providing actionable intelligence and analysis using PMESII-PT and ASCOPE frameworks
• Coordinated with multiple agencies and organizations to support humanitarian efforts and crisis response, receiving commendation for effective collaboration and execution
• Educated in Mass Atrocity Response Operations (MARO) and collaborated with USAID to prepare for Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) in Nigeria due to election-related violence
• Awarded the Joint Meritorious Service Medal and a Joint Service Achievement Medal for exceptional performance in supporting operations and enhancing mission success

• Trained and mentored 6 Civil Affairs Cadre and over 800 Advanced Individual Training (AIT) students, significantly enhancing their operational readiness and effectiveness, and preparing them for high-stakes special operations missions
• Supervised the operations and range cell, maintaining accountability and ensuring the operational readiness of over $500K worth of equipment, crucial for the successful execution of special operations
• Coordinated and executed comprehensive training programs for the organization, overseeing 11 field-training exercises from planning through execution, integrating advanced special operations tactics and strategies
• Implemented and maintained stringent quality control measures for information management and company policies, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency in a special operations context
• Spearheaded and developed innovative combative and non-lethal training programs, enhancing the capabilities of personnel in diverse and challenging operational environments, with a focus on civil affairs integration
• Enforced rigorous risk management systems for all training events, ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants, essential in high-risk special operations scenarios
• Conducted thorough After-Action Reviews (AARs) to evaluate training outcomes, identify areas for improvement, and refine future training strategies, leveraging insights from special operations experiences
• Demonstrated advanced tactical and strategic planning skills through successful completion of the Unconventional Warfare Operational Design Course and the Irregular Warfare Course, solidifying expertise in civil affairs within the special operations framework