Assistant Professor of Military Science - Northwoods Battalion

Bio:

Born in Merrill, WI, MAJ (RET) Benzinger graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh with a BS in Criminal Justice and Political Science as well as being designated a Distinguished Military Graduate.  He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in Field Artillery in 1986.

MAJ (RET) Benzinger attended the Officer Basic Course in Fort Sill, OK.  Following OBC, MAJ Benzinger’s first duty assignment was Fort Benning, GA.  There, he served as a Company Fire Support Officer with the 2^nd Battalion, 14 Infantry Regiment “Golden Dragons”.  Following 18 months of Light Infantry training and numerous military schools, MAJ Benzinger conducted an inter-post transfer to the 4^th Battalion, 41^st Field Artillery on Kelley Hill.  He served as the Battalion’s Recon Survey Officer and Headquarter, Headquarters Company Executive Officer.  In 1990, he was assigned as a Firing Battery Platoon Leader with Bravo Battery, 4/41 FA.  He deployed for eight months in support of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm.  Following redeployment, MAJ (RET) Benzinger served as the Battalion S2 for the remainder of his initial duty assignment at Fort Benning, GA.

In October 1992, MAJ Benzinger attended the Officer Advanced Course again at Fort Sill, OK.  Following graduation, MAJ (RET) Benzinger was assigned to the 3^rd ID, Bamberg, Germany.  He served as both the Assistant S3 and Charlie Battery Commander from 1992 – 1996.

In April 1996, MAJ (RET) Benzinger was assigned as the Assistant Professor of Military Science at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point.  Later he became the Professor of Military Science.  This tour included three LDAC rotations and a plethora of pre-commissioning Field Training Exercises for ROTC cadets.

From 1999 – 2006, MAJ (RET) Benzinger worked in two, multi – component AC / RC  assignments; first as a Division G3 Plans and Operations officer (1999 – 2002) Arlington Heights, IL, and then as a Battalion Executive Officer with 1^st / 340th Training Support Regiment in Arden Hills, MN.  During these assignments MAJ (RET) Benzinger prepared mobilized units for deployment and participated in MSCA operations associated with Hurricane Ivan.   

MAJ (RET) Benzinger retired from Active Federal Service in 2006 and subsequently started working for his current employer, COMTek in January of 2007.