RICO BUSSEY
Manhattan,KS
Summary
Dynamic Senior U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 with over 30 years of distinguished military service, specializing in operations and training leadership within high-stakes environments. Proven expertise in managing complex programs, cross-functional teams, and multimillion-dollar assets, complemented by a strong track record of advising executive leadership on operational strategy and risk mitigation. Recognized for developing and executing large-scale training initiatives while effectively managing significant budgets and delivering comprehensive executive-level reporting to stakeholders. A seasoned leader with extensive experience as a Senior 13F Fire Support Instructor and Master Resilience Trainer, consistently driving operational success through strong problem-solving skills, effective team leadership, and a commitment to integrity and accountability.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Targeting Officer (Technician)
U.S. Army, 1st Infantry Division
Fort Riley North, KS
06.2018 - Current
- Provided strategic insights to division leadership, enhancing targeting operations for over 15,000 personnel.
- Facilitated collaboration between intelligence, fires, aviation, and maneuver assets to achieve strategic mission objectives.
- Managed the integration of multi-source intelligence feeds to enhance targeting processes.
- Designed comprehensive high payoff target lists (HPTL) and synchronization matrices to streamline target selection and alignment.
- Oversaw implementation of special access programs, ensuring adherence to security protocols and directives. Led initiatives to enhance operational and communications security, safeguarding critical information assets. Championed compliance with ICDs and DoD directives to strengthen information assurance frameworks.
- Oversaw execution of training exercises, guaranteeing alignment with established military standards and operational readiness.
- Designed and sustained comprehensive logistical strategies to facilitate troop movements and optimize equipment deployment.
- Facilitated training for junior personnel on operational procedures to cultivate a collaborative and responsible work environment.
Senior Field Artillery Intelligence Officer
U.S. Army, 2nd Infantry Division
Camp Humphrey, South Korea
07.2017 - 06.2018
- Facilitated intelligence analysis to enhance fire operations in response to mission requirements.
- Analyzed potential threats and formulated target development strategies to inform and guide commander decision-making processes.
- Oversaw integration of intelligence and maneuver elements to ensure synchronized mission execution.
- Analyzed intelligence data to support operational planning and decision-making.
- Analyzed various threat factors to pinpoint risks and develop effective strategic response plans.
- Conducted 100+ threat assessments to identify risks and inform strategic responses.
131A Field Artillery Targeting Technician Instructor
US Army
Fort Sill, OK
02.2012 - 05.2017
- Facilitated training for over 2000 students, directly connecting them to targeted community resources.
- Assisted in managing budgets over $100,000. Supported tracking of financial expenditures to maintain budget compliance.
- Managed comprehensive maintenance protocols to ensure optimal functionality of targeting and radar systems.
- Conducted thorough operation and maintenance of technical equipment, ensuring peak performance and reliability.
- Led routine inspections and troubleshooting to swiftly identify issues.
- Operated and maintained technical equipment to ensure optimal functionality.
- Conducted routine inspections and troubleshooting to identify issues promptly.
- Developed and executed training initiatives for over 1500 students, directly supporting operational force integration.
- Supervised and managed 40+ senior-level instructors
- Analyzed training data and delivered detailed summaries and final reports to senior leaders for strategic decision-making.
- Honored as Instructor of the Year in recognition of outstanding educational contributions.
- Designed and executed lesson plans that cater to diverse learning styles.
- Facilitated practical training exercises, enhancing operational readiness among participants.
- Achieved designation as first JTAC (Joint Tactical Air Controller) and SOTAC (Special Forces Tactical Air Controller) to strengthen tactical air support operations.
Education
No Degree - English & Intelligence Studies
American Military University
Charles Town, WV07-2028
Skills
- TS/SCI Security Clearance
- Joint & Multi-Domain Operations
- Intelligence Support to Targeting
- Operational & Strategic Planning
- Air-Ground Integration / CAS Planning
- Target Development & Analysis
- Mission Analysis & Threat Assessment
- Curriculum Development & Instruction
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Program & Resource Management
- Risk Management & Decision Support
- Trusted agent for compartmentalize program material
Accomplishments
- 30 year senior operational leader with coalition experince
- Operational and Division-level targeting authority
- 5000+ personnel trained to operational force serving as force multipliers
- Senior instructor to a Team of 40+ personnel
- $30M in property & $100K+ budget managed
- Valor-recognized combat veteran
- Legion of Merit recipient
- TS/SCI clearance
Certification
- Special Operations Tactical Air Controller (SOTAC)
- Master Resilience Trainer (MRT)
- Total Army Instructor Training Course – Certified Instructor
- Air Assault Qualified
- Combat Lifesaver Certified
- Collateral Damage Estimation Certified
- Precision Strike Suite Certified Utilize Digital Point Positioning Data Base for stero images
- Military Deception (MILDEC) Certified
- Manager Leader Course Certified
Timeline
Senior Targeting Officer (Technician)
U.S. Army, 1st Infantry Division
06.2018 - Current
Senior Field Artillery Intelligence Officer
U.S. Army, 2nd Infantry Division
07.2017 - 06.2018
131A Field Artillery Targeting Technician Instructor
US Army
02.2012 - 05.2017
No Degree - English & Intelligence Studies
American Military University
SECURITY CLEARANCE
Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI)