MATTHEW MERAZ
United States Army
Lawton,OK
7
years of professional experience
Highly disciplined and accomplished Air Defense Systems Specialist and Technical Instructor with 7 years of specialized expertise operating, maintaining, and fielding cutting-edge Air Defense Artillery (ADA) systems. Proven track record leading high-stress technical training programs, including certifying personnel and successfully launching the first-ever M-SHORAD (SGT Stout) platform training curriculum for the U.S. Army. Expert in Counter-UAS (C-UAS), Land-Based Phalanx Weapon Systems (LPWS), and C-RAM operations. Accomplished Team Chief with extensive combat deployment experience managing multi-million-dollar weapons systems alongside corporate Field Service Representatives (FSRs).
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Work History
14 PAPA INSTRUCTOR
11 Months- Responsible for the training of 14 Papa Initial Entry Training soldiers on M-SHORAD SGT Stout and SHORAD Avenger Weapon Systems.
- Provided successfully trained and efficient new 14 Papa soldiers to the Army and the Air Defense Artillery Branch by graduating 3 classes; total of 73 trainees.
- Managed 4 Field Training Exercises on the Avenger Weapon System and maintained the safety and welfare of 73 trainees; successfully certified 73 total trainees.
- Managed 4 field training exercises on the Avenger weapon system, certifying 73 trainees while prioritizing their safety and welfare.
- Provided experience and knowledge to ensure proper procedures and training were conducted in accordance with training schedule and lesson plans.
- Developed after-action reports identifying training deficiencies and recommending corrective actions for instructors to enhance future training.
LPWS TEAM CHIEF/OPERATOR
4 Years 10 Months- Supervised and trained soldiers to become Subject Matter Experts in maintaining and operating the Land-Based Phalanx Weapon System for deployment to protect NATO assets of the United States against Rockets/Artillery/Mortar (RAM) and C-UAS.
- Observed, Coached, and Trained (OC/T) for the Texas National Guard 1st Battalion, 133rd Field Artillery Regiment, the Indiana National Guard 1st Battalion, 163rd Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, and the 5th battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment on the Land-Based Phalanx Weapon System in order to prepare them for deployment.
- Provided Air Defense assistance and support with the Land-Based Phalanx Weapon System to 1st Armored Division while maintaining Platoon accountability, Sensitive Items, and Welfare of the Soldiers as Squad Leader during a National Training Center (NTC) rotation.
- Performed Maintenance and Operational Procedures for the Land-Based Phalanx Weapon System.
- Transport, prepare, and reload ammunition for Land-Based Phalanx Weapon System.
- Initiated Field Training Exercises and training procedures in Air Defense Tactics for Battalion S3, ensuring soldiers were certified in Tables I-XII.
- Managed comprehensive training programs to ensure platoon soldiers met operational standards.
- Developed full training schedules and Calendars for the Platoon Leader and Platoon Sergeant to ensure proper training was conducted.
- Monitored the motivation and well-being of 22 soldiers in the platoon.
- Supervised ammunition handling procedures and trained crews on safe reload drills, ensuring compliance with munitions protocols.
AVENGER CREW MEMBER/TRAINING ROOM CLERK
1 Year 1 Month- Supervised and trained soldiers in maintaining surface-to-air missile systems designed to provide protection against cruise missiles and low flying aircraft.
- Maintained all Avenger systems, ensuring effective movement and placement of weapons systems in diverse locations and environments.
- Perform maintenance on Avenger system.
- Transport, prepare, reload and resupply missiles and ammunition.
- Establish and maintain digital, radio, and wire communications.
- Enhanced air battle strategy by implementing proven artillery procedures.
- Served in a higher position as Battery Training Room NCOIC and DTMS Manager as a Private/Private First Class.
- Sent NCOs and Specialists Promotable to Basic Leaders Course/Advanced Leaders Course as the Battery Schools Non-Commissioned Officer as a Private/Private First Class.
- Communicated with Battalion Schools NCO to send soldiers to their respected Army schools.
- Developed full training schedules and Calendars for the Battery Commander to ensure proper training was conducted.
- Developed full training schedules and Calendars for the Battery Commander to ensure proper training was conducted.
- Led fitness training for platoon, training non-mission capable soldiers in Physical Readiness Training to help them meet Army Physical Fitness Standards.
- Worked with the Battery Commander and First Sergeant as a Personal Trainer for soldiers not within Army Standards on the Army Body Composition Program after work hours with gym equipment.
- Recorded maintenance actions and parts used in DTMS entries to preserve equipment history and successfully ensured battery remained operational
- Prepared soldier training packets and updated school nominations to advance professional development and sent 10 people to advanced schools who all graduated.
- Led after-hours physical training sessions for soldiers to restore Army physical fitness standards.
Education
Advanced Individual Training
Basic Combat Training
HS Diploma
Skills
Management
Influencing
Leading
Training
Instructing
Communication
Attention to detail
Integrity
Team oriented
Adaptable
Training management
Field work
Multitasking
Calm under pressure
Problem-solving
Creative thinking
Critical thinking
Strategic planning
Classroom instruction
Public speaking
Strong communication skills
Security Clearance
Active Secret
COURSES
- Basic Leaders Course, United States Army, Apr 2022 – May 2022
- Air Assault Course, United States Army, Aug 2022 – Sep 2022
- Advanced Leaders Course, United States Army, Jan 2025 – Feb 2025
- Cadre Training Course, United States Army, Oct 2025
- Common Faculty Development-Instructor Course, United States Army, Nov 2025
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DEPLOYMENTS
- BDSC- Baghdad, Iraq, Mar 2021- Jul 2021
- Maintained and Operated the Land-Based Phalanx Weapon System in order to continue providing Air Defense support for Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center (BDSC).
- Aided Field Service Representatives (FSRs) in performing field level maintenance to include weeklies/monthlies/quarterlies/semi-annuals/annuals on the Land-Based Phalanx Weapon System to ensure the system was Fully Mission Capable.
- Performed Troubleshooting procedures on Land-Based Phalanx Weapon System to ensure Land-Based Phalanx Weapon System stayed fully operational.
- Performed reload operations on Land-Based Phalanx Weapon System after Rockets/Artillery/Mortar (RAM) engagements to ensure continued system readiness for incoming threats.
- MSSE- Syria, Oct 2023- Nov 2024
- Land-Based Phalanx Weapon System Team Chief.
- Maintained and Operated the Land-Based Phalanx Weapon System in order to continue providing Air Defense support for MSS-Euphrates.
- Performed reload operations on Land-Based Phalanx Weapon System after Rockets/Artillery/Mortar (RAM) and C-UAS engagements to ensure continued system readiness for incoming threats.
- Trained two non 14 series on the Land-Based Phalanx Weapon System to become proficient on Land-Based Phalanx Weapon System Procedures and Operations.
- Maintained the Motivation, Safety, and Welfare of 10 soldiers in Combat Environment.
- Site Crime Prevention NCO.
Timeline
14 PAPA INSTRUCTOR
United States Army
09.2025 - CurrentRead More
LPWS TEAM CHIEF/OPERATOR
United States Army
11.2020 - 09.2025Read More
AVENGER CREW MEMBER/TRAINING ROOM CLERK
United States Army
10.2019 - 11.2020Read More
United States Army
Advanced Individual Training
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United States Army
Basic Combat Training
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Upland High School
HS Diploma
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