Santos Fuentes
Charlotte,NC, United States
Summary
Former U.S. Army Air Defense Enhanced Operator/Maintainer (14E) and Communications Systems Operator with 5 years of experience operating, integrating, and maintaining Patriot Air and Missile Defense systems in tactical and multinational environments. Expertise in air battle management, tactical communications, system initialization, network configuration, and joint interoperability operations. Proven ability to sustain mission-critical systems under high operational tempo while supporting command-and-control (C2) operations, engagement procedures, and secure tactical data communications.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Air Defense Advanced Operator/Maintainer (14E)
U.S Army
01.2019 - 01.2025
- Operated and maintained Patriot ICC, AMG, Radar, and ECS systems, managing system initialization, baseline configuration, and tactical data link integration for live operations and training.
- Served as Communications Systems Operator (CSO) within the ICC, establishing and sustaining PADIL, TCS, and JREAP-C networks for real-time battle management operations.
- Served as Tactical Control Assistant (TCA), assisting the Tactical Control Officer in managing air battles, identifying and tracking targets, and executing engagement procedures. Coordinated with higher and adjacent units, monitored track data within the Engagement Control Station (ECS), and ensured accurate system alignment and data integrity across the battalion’s Patriot network.
- Supported joint and allied interoperability exercises, synchronizing communication architectures and engagement procedures across multinational defense systems.
- Conducted fault isolation, configuration management, and system troubleshooting to ensure continuous tactical connectivity under operational stress.
- Contributed to air battle planning and information operations, maintaining secure data flow between fire units and higher echelons to support mission execution.
- Supported mobility and emplacement operations across the Radar and AMG crews, ensuring site readiness, alignment, and operational continuity.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice Administration
Park University
Parkville, Missouri03.2025
Skills
- Patriot Missile Defense System Operations
- Tactical Communications & Network Management
- Command and Control (C2) Operations
- Air Battle Management
- PADIL / TCS / JREAP-C Communications
- System Initialization & Configuration
- Tactical Data Link Integration
- Joint & Multinational Operations
- Fault Isolation & Troubleshooting
- Radar & Engagement Control Operations
- Training & Team Leadership
- Secure Communications
Accomplishments
Led the way as the Army's first CSO to attain certification in the new PDB 8.1
system upgrade; demonstrating pioneering expertise
Maintained 100% accountability of PATRIOT equipment valued in excess of $11,666,827.00; upheld operational effectiveness with zero discrepancies
LANGUAGES
English
Spanish
Timeline
Air Defense Advanced Operator/Maintainer (14E)
U.S Army
01.2019 - 01.2025
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice Administration
Park University
AWARDS
Army Service Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, 3x Army Achievement Medal, 2x NC State Active Duty Ribbon
SCHOOLS
- Advanced Leader Course — ALC is the second course to success in the Noncommissioned Officer Education System. The purpose of ALC is to develop Noncommissioned Officers to be tactically and technically proficient at skill level three; and to train, lead, and fight at the section level. The course focuses on leadership assessment and development.
- Basic Leader Course — Prepare sergeants, promotable specialists, and corporals to lead team-level size units by providing an opportunity to acquire the leader skills, knowledge, and experience needed to be successful as noncommissioned officers. The Basic Leader Course (BLC) is the foundation for further training and leader development.