MAJ Jim Holder, APMS Executive Officer

Major James W. Holder, a native of Prattville, Alabama, joined the United States Army in 1988.  He served as a Special Forces Communication Sergeant with 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) from 1988 until 1997.  During this period, he conducted humanitarian operations in northern Iraq during Operation PROVIDE COMFORT and completed three tours in Bosnia-Herzegovina during Operations DENY FLIGHT, JOINT ENDEAVOR, and JOINT GUARD.

James Holder earned a Bachelor of Science in Applied Management from National American University in Colorado.  He was commissioned 2nd lieutenant thru the Army Officer Candidate School in April 1998.  Upon completion of the Armor Officer Basic Course, 2nd Lieutenant Holder was assigned as a Tank and Scout Platoon Leader with 1-68 Armor Battalion, 3 Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.  He then served as the Executive Officer for Bravo Troop, 1st Squadron, 16th Cavalry Regiment at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

James Holder was promoted to the rank of Captain in November 2001.  He completed the Armor Officer Captains’ Career Course, Combined Arms Services Staff School, and the Officer Special Forces Qualification Course in 2003.  He returned to the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), where he commanded an Operational Detachment Alpha from 2003 thru 2005.  He next served as the Assistant Operations Officer until May 2006.  During his tour with 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), CPT Holder served three combat tours during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM I, II, & III.  Following redeployment to Fort Carson, Colorado, he was re-assigned to the United States Army Cadet Command and now serves as the Officer in Charge of Army ROTC department at Troy University.  The Army promoted James Holder to the rank of Major on 01 November 2007.

Major Holder’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (4), Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (4), Army Achievement Medal (8), Good Conduct Medal (3), National Defense Service Medal (2), Armed Forced Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Star, Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Arrowhead device, Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal (2), NCO Professional Development Ribbon (2), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait issue), Joint Meritorious Unit Award (2), Army Superior Unit Award, Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Special Forces Tab, and Ranger Tab. 

His military education includes Airborne, Airborne Jumpmaster, Ranger, Armor Officer Basic and Advanced, the Enlisted and Officer Special Forces Qualification Course, Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape, Special Operations Mountaineering, Combined Arms Services Staff School, United States Marine High Angle Sniper Course, and Air Movement Officer Course.