MAJ Joseph Kalinka

MAJ Joseph L. Kalinka is a senior instructor in the Department of Physics & Nuclear Engineering at the United States Military Academy (USMA). He serves as the course director and instructor for PH275, Physics II - Space.

The Marilla, New York, native commissioned as an engineer officer from USMA in 2014. He holds a bachelor's degree in engineering management from USMA, a master's degree in engineering management from Missouri University of Science and Technology, and a master's in applied physics from the Naval Postgraduate School.

Kalinka’s first assignment was with the 29th Brigade Engineer Battalion (BEB) in Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. While in the 29th BEB, he served as the battalion adjutant, a platoon leader in Alpha Company (Sapper), HHC executive officer, and a battalion planner. 

After graduating from the Engineer Captain’s Career Course, he served as a battalion assistant operations officer in the 5th Engineer Battalion in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Kalinka subsequently took command of the 50th Multi-Role Bridge Company, 5th Engineer Battalion from August 2019 to April 2021. He then attended the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. Following graduate school, he returned to USMA as a faculty member.

Kalinka’s military education includes the Engineer Basic Officer Leadership Course, Air Assault School, Route Reconnaissance and Clearance Course (R2C2), Sapper Leader Course, and Engineer Captain’s Career Course. He is certified by the Project Management Institute as a Project Management Professional (PMP).

His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Sapper Tab, German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge, and the Air Assault Badge.