LTC Tom Lainis

LTC Tom Lainis is a Special Forces officer and assistant professor in the Department of Systems Engineering. He earned a Bachelor of Science in environmental geography from the United States Military Academy and a Master of Science in defense analysis from the Naval Postgraduate School.

He commissioned as an infantry officer in 2003 and later served as a platoon leader and company executive officer in the 101st Airborne Division. After graduating from the Special Forces Qualification Course in 2008, LTC Lainis held assignments within the 10th Special Forces Group, Special Operations Command Europe (SOCEUR), and Special Operations Command Africa (SOCAFRICA). His operational experience includes service in the USAFRICOM, USCENTCOM, and USEUCOM areas of responsibility, to include work at two U.S. embassies in Africa.

LTC Lainis is married to Mrs. Maia Molina-Schaefer, and they have one son.