Major Joseph L. Kalinka is a native of Marilla, New York. He commissioned as an Engineer Officer from the United States Military Academy (USMA) in 2014. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Management from USMA and a Master of Science degree in Applied Physics from the Naval Postgraduate School.

MAJ Kalinka’s first assignment was with  the 29^th Brigade Engineer Battalion (BEB) in Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. While in the 29^th 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 5^th Engineer Battalion in Fort Leonard Wood, MO. MAJ Kalinka subsequently took command of the 50^th Multi-Role Bridge Company, 5^th Engineer Battalion from August 2019 to April 2021. MAJ Kalinka currently serves as an instructor in PH201, Physics I. 

MAJ 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).

MAJ Kalinka’s 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.