CPT Aniya Knotts

CPT Aniya Knotts was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and raised in Swainsboro, Georgia. She graduated from Georgia State University in Atlanta, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and commissioned as an Ordnance officer through the Panther Battalion ROTC program in 2015.

In March 2016, CPT Knotts completed the Ordnance Basic Officer Leadership Course. Her additional military schooling includes the U.S. Army Airborne School (2016), U.S. Army Jumpmaster School (2017), and Aerial Delivery and Materials Officer Course (2020).

CPT Knotts’ first duty station was Fort Liberty, North Carolina, from May 2016 to December 2018, where she served with the 82nd Airborne Division, 2nd Brigade Combat Team. She served as the maintenance control officer for Bravo Company, 407th Brigade Support Battalion. In May 2017, she deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, serving as the forward battalion liaison officer and Forward Logistics Element executive officer. After redeploying, she continued as the Bravo Company executive officer until transitioning to 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, where she served as the executive officer of Juliet Forward Support Company from December 2017 through the end of her tenure at Fort Liberty.

Upon completion of the Logistics Captains Career Course in 2019, she remained at Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia, where she was selected to command Charlie Company, 262nd Battalion, 23rd Quartermaster Brigade. After 19 months of command, CPT Knotts was selected for a nominative position to instruct Military Leadership (PL300) at the United States Military Academy.

From August 2021 to May 2023, CPT Knotts earned a Master of Business Administration from Cornell University. After graduation, she reported to West Point to begin her three-year utilization as an instructor in the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership.

CPT Knotts’ awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with C-Device and one Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Achievement Medal (one Oak Leaf Cluster), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Meritorious Unit Commendation. She is recognized as a senior demonstrated logistician and senior-rated jumpmaster and is authorized to wear the Senior Parachutist Badge and the Latvian and Dutch jump wings.

Aniya is married to CPT Eliot Knotts, and they have a son, Eyan. She loves food and travel.