CPT Joshua Van Laar

CPT Joseph Van Laar is a military science instructor in the Department of Military Instruction at the United States Military Academy. He also serves as chief of training for the Military Science and Training Division. 

He earned a bachelor's degree in 2016 from Norwich University and commissioned as a U.S. Army second lieutenant, branching into infantry. After completing the Infantry Basic Officer Leader Course, he graduated from Ranger and Airborne schools.

CPT Van Laar served at Fort Drum, New York, with the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, holding roles as rifle platoon leader, mortar platoon leader, headquarters and headquarters company executive officer, and battalion logistics officer. During his deployment to Afghanistan (2018-19), his mortar platoon supported more than 100 combat missions and served as the primary indirect fire asset for base defense.

He later commanded the Mortar Training Company at Fort Benning, Georgia, contributing to the modernization of the Infantry Mortar Leader Course. CPT Van Laar transitioned from infantry to finance and completed the Data Analyst Course at the University of South Carolina.

CPT Van Laar holds a master’s degree in teaching and curriculum from Fordham University.