CPT Charles T. Starke

CPT Charles Starke is an instructor with the Department of Physics & Nuclear Engineering at the United States Military Academy (USMA). He is also involved with the Photonics Research Center and the U.S. Army Space & Missile Defense Command Space & High-Altitude Research Center.

He graduated from USMA with a bachelor’s degree in physics in 2016. He commissioned as an air defense artillery officer, and following the Basic Officer Leadership Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, he served as an executive officer and tactical control officer for a Patriot battery with A/2‑1 Air Defense Artillery Battalion at Kunsan Air Force Base, Republic of Korea.

CPT Starke later served as a platoon leader, executive officer and tactical control officer with E‑62 THAAD at Fort Cavazos, Texas, while simultaneously earning a master’s degree in aerospace science. After completing the Captains Career Course, he joined the 2501st Digital Liaison Detachment, serving as an air and missile defense liaison between Eighth Army and the Republic of Korea Ground Combat Command.

He took command of the 12th Missile Defense Battery in 2022 at Prince Sultan Air Force Base, Saudi Arabia. Following command, he attended North Carolina State University, obtaining his master’s degree in physics.