Colonel Mark C. Johnson is the deputy commanding officer of the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington. He graduated from the United States Military Academy where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering and commissioned as an Aviation Officer. In addition, he holds master's degrees in national security from the United States Naval War College and Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College.
Colonel Johnson has extensive experience working with joint, interagency and special operations communities through command and staff assignments. His command assignments include, Commander, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Commander, 3rd Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment (Assault), Commander, B Company, 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation regiment (Airborne), and Commander, B Company, 1st Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment (Assault). His staff assignments include, Chief of Staff, Office of the Chief, Legislative Liaison, Director of Aviation, U.S. Army Forces Command, Executive Officer, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), Strategic Planner, U.S. Special Operations Command, Executive Officer, 3rd Battalion 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), and Observer Controller / Trainer, 1st Battalion, 351st Aviation Regiment, 87th Training Support Brigade.
Colonel Johnson has deployed multiple times in support of national security and civil support operations. His deployments include Operation Joint Endeavour, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Atlantic Resolve, Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. In addition, Colonel Johnson served as the Aviation Task Force commander for Joint Task Force – Civil Support and led elements in Defense Support to Civil Authorities for Hurricanes Florence, and Michael as well as southwest border security operations.
Colonel Johnson’s awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit (2), Bronze Star (2), Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2), Meritorious Service Medal (5), Air Medal (3), Joint Service Commendation Medal (2), Army Commendation Medal (4), and the Army Achievement Medal. His badges include the Combat Action Badge, Master Aviator Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, and the Army Staff Identification Badge. In addition, Colonel Johnson earned qualification ratings in the OH-58, UH-60, MH-60, CH-47 and MH-47 helicopters.
Col. Johnson is married to the former Becky Kelso and they have two children Jake and Sarah.