Illinois National Guard Soldier becomes Assistant Professor of Military Science at the University of Illinois

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SPRINGFIELD, IL (08/13/2014)(readMedia)-- URBANA-CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Capt. David Tanner of Williamsport, Indiana, with Joint Force Headquarters in Springfield, Illinois, accepted a position as the Illinois National Guard's new Assistant Professor of Military Science at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, Aug. 1.

Tanner will serve as a member of the faculty for the university and instruct the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) cadets, while providing tools to the Department of Military Science from his leadership and combat experience.

Tanner deployed to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, with the 1244th Transportation Company based in North Riverside, Illinois, from September 2010 through October 2011 as the executive officer. Tanner's deployment included logistics distribution support throughout the Iraq Joint Operations Area.

"'Tactics win battles. Logistics win wars.' is an essential truth I know I can prepare cadets for by using my practical experience," said Tanner. "Equally important is the cooperation and teamwork I experienced with other branches of the military, reserve and active components, civilians and other nations. All of that proves individuals don't win in battle, teams do."

Tanner demonstrated he has a concept, vision and plan for developing, training and assisting his Soldiers, leaders, peers and supervisors, said Lt. Col. Jose Jaques of DeKalb, Illinois, 1144th Transportation Battalion commander in Delavan, Illinois.

"Captain Tanner possesses a uniquely beneficial combination of maturity, experience, confidence and professional demeanor, which will undoubtedly bring great gains to the position and those he serves," said Jaques.

In accepting this new position, Tanner turned over command of the 1244th Transportation Company.

"In our current operational environment and that which we are likely to face going forward," said Jaques. "Captain Tanner is an ideal candidate to assist with the development and education of young officers capable of leading, adapting and prevailing in the face of the changes ahead."

The Army ROTC program produces more than 70 percent of the Army's officer corps and provides the tools, training and experiences needed for success in any competitive environment.

"A priority in my service to Soldiers is to ensure they get the best and become their best," said Tanner. "Appointment as Assistant Professor of Military Science will allow me to directly influence that same approach among the next generation of young officers. I am eager for the chance to do so and proud to have this tremendous and humbling opportunity."

Capt. David Tanner of Williamsport, Indiana, with Joint Force Headquarters in Springfield, Illinois, accepts a position as the Illinois National Guard's new Assistant Professor of Military Science at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, Aug. 1. (Courtesy photo)