Colonel Rick Hansen was commissioned in the Engineer Branch in May 1990. He is currently the Chief of Staff, Headquarters, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Colonel Hansen last served as the Engineer Director for the Combined Security Transition Command- Afghanistan.
His previous assignments include: 362nd Engineer Company as Platoon Leader, and Executive Officer, Fort Bragg NC; Assistant Brigade Engineer, 2nd Brigade, 2 ID; Company Commander, A/2nd Engineer Battalion, 2ID in Korea; Small Group Instructor, US Army Engineer School; Assistant Division Engineer (ADE), 1st Cavalry Division; Battalion Executive Officer, 2BSTB, 1st Cavalry Division; Deputy Commander, Galveston District, US Army Corps of Engineers; Commander, 1-3 Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division; Executive Director of Military and International Operations, HQ U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Commander, New Orleans District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Col. Hansen earned a Bachelors of Science Degree in Physics from the US Military Academy, a Masters of Science Degree in Engineering Management from the University of Missouri, a Masters of Strategic Studies Degree and is a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Virginia.
Col. Hansen is a graduate of the US Army War College, Army Command and General Staff College, Air Assault School, Airborne School, Jumpmaster Course, Instructor Trainer Course, Sapper School, and the Engineer Officer Basic and Advanced Courses.
His awards and decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with two oak leaf clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with eight oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Master Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge and the Sapper Tab.