CPT Joshua Van Laar

CPT Van Laar was commissioned from Norwich University as a 2LT in the US Army on 04 January 2016, branching into Infantry. After completing IBOLC, he graduated from Ranger and Airborne Schools. He served at Fort Drum with the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, holding roles as Rifle Platoon Leader, Mortar Platoon Leader, HHC Executive Officer, and Battalion Logistics Officer. During his deployment to Afghanistan (2018-2019), his Mortar Platoon supported over 100 combat missions and served as the primary indirect fire asset for base defense. He later commanded the Mortar Training Company at Fort Benning, contributing to the modernization of the Infantry Mortar Leader Course. CPT Van Laar VTIP from Infantry to Finance and completed the Data Analyst Course at South Carolina University. CPT Van Laar is now an instructor in the Department of Military Instruction at the United States Military Academy, teaching MS300 and serving as the Chief of Training for the Military Science and Training Division. He holds a Master of Science in Teaching and Curriculum from Fordham University.