Colonel Ryan Eckmeier is the Joint Project Manager for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Medical. In this role, he is responsible for Medical Countermeasure development against CBRN threats as well as diagnostic efforts in support of the nation’s chemical and biological defense.

Commissioned from Western Illinois University ROTC in 1997 after service as an enlisted Soldier and NCO, he is a graduate of the Army Medical Department Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the Combined Arms and Services Staff School, the Command and General Staff College, the Program Manager’s Course, and the U.S. Army War College.

Previous assignments include service as a Platoon Leader, Executive Officer, Regimental Medical Supply Officer, Operations Officer, Accountable Officer, Assistant Support Operations Officer, Project Manager, Brigade S4, Chief of Contracting, G3 Chief of Plans, Director of Contracting, Deputy Commander for Operations, and Requirements Determination Division Chief.

His command assignments include: Commander, C Company, 325th Forward Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Light), Schofield Barracks, HI, where they deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom (CTF Bronco); and Commander, 920th Contracting Battalion, Rock Island Arsenal, IL, where they deployed across Kuwait, Iraq, and Jordan in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Spartan Shield.

COL Eckmeier holds a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Arts in Procurement and Acquisition Management from Webster University, a Master of Arts in Applied Economics from the University of Oklahoma, and a masters in Security Studies from the U.S. Army War College. He is a member of the Army Acquisition Corps and DAWIA Level III certified in Program Management and Contracting.

His decorations and awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal. He is also authorized to wear the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Expert Field Medical Badge, and the Parachutist Badge.

COL Eckmeier is married to the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Annette (Nettie). They have two adult children, Jarred, an NCO in the U.S. Army, and Karina, an accomplished artist and graphic designer. They have one beloved grandson, Noah, a college student and ROTC Cadet at Cabrini University.