COL Nathaniel Conkey

COL Nate Conkey is the 32nd commandant for the United States Military Academy Preparatory School (USMAPS) at West Point. He most recently concluded a one-year fellowship through the United States Army War College, studying at Columbia University. He commissioned into the infantry in 2000 after graduating from the United States Military Academy (USMA) with a Bachelor of Science in aeronautical engineering. He also holds a Master of Arts in physical education from Columbia University's Teachers College. 

COL Conkey has served as a platoon leader in 1-24 IN at Fort Lewis, Washington; company commander and staff officer in 2-327 IN at Fort Campbell, Kentucky; an instructor at USMA; future operations planner with 1st CAV DIV in Bagram, Afghanistan; battalion field grade officer with 2-1 IN at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), Washington; battle major for America’s First Corps at JBLM; and Corps Commander’s liaison officer to United States Army Pacific from Fort Shafter, Hawaii. He returned to JBLM as the battalion commander for 2-357 IN of 189th INF BDE, before serving as the professor of military science for the Auburn University Army ROTC program. 

Back at West Point, COL Conkey most recently served as the regimental tactical officer for the First Regiment, U.S. Corps of Cadets.

Deployments include serving as a rifle company commander in Kirkuk, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and as a future plans officer with the 1st CAV DIV to Bagram in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

COL Conkey's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, and Defense Meritorious Service Medal. He has earned the Ranger Tab, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Pathfinder Badge, and both the Combat and Expert Infantryman's Badges. He was also selected as the Army’s Athlete of the Year in 2014. 

He is a graduate of the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Infantry Captain's Career Course, Combined Arms and Services Staff School, and Command and General Staff College.