Lieutenant Colonel Josiah Schlessman is the commander of 12th Aviation Battalion, The Army Aviation Brigade, which is stationed at Davison Army Air Field, Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. He received his commission in 2007 from Wheaton College and reported to Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he became an OH-58D Cavalry Scout pilot. Schlessman's first tour of duty was with 2-17CAV in the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. During his time in 2-17CAV, he served as a component repair platoon leader, OH-58D scout platoon leader, and executive officer for the Army’s first RQ-7 Shadow troop (UAS). This also served as his first combat deployment supporting the Soldiers of the 101st. Schlessman eventually moved to the 7-17CAV in the 101st Airborne Division, where he commanded C Troop, “Crazyhorse,” and led their tactical transition from counterinsurgency operations to supporting large-scale combat operations.
Following his assignment with the 101st, Schlessman assessed for the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) and qualified in the AH-6M “Little Bird.” He served as platoon leader and executive officer in Bravo Company 1-160th SOAR (Abn), as well as liaison officer to a special mission unit. During this time, he deployed twice, once to Iraq and once to Afghanistan.
In his next assignment, Schlessman served as Aide de Camp to the Army Special Operations Aviation commanding general. Subsequently, he transitioned to flying MH-60L Blackhawks and served as the executive officer and operations officer for the 160th Research and Operational Assessment Element before returning to command Bravo Company 1-160th SOAR (Abn). During his command, the unit deployed six times in support of no-notice operations globally.
Over the past three years, Schlessman has held positions at Special Operations Command Pacific, including Crisis Response Chief, XO, Commander’s Action Group Director, and Future Operations Chief.
Schlessman’s educational background includes master’s degrees from the Naval War College and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, as well as qualifications from the Airborne and Air Assault School and the Maneuver Captains Career Course. He holds a Master Aviator designation with qualifications in the OH-58D, AH-6M, and UH-60A/L/M airframes.