Chaplain Geoffrey Bailey is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Texas at El Paso, a Master of Divinity, and a Doctor of Ministry, from George W. Truett Theological Seminary (Baylor University), Waco, Texas, and a Masters in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He was ordained on July 11, 1999, at First Baptist Church, El Paso, Texas, and is endorsed to serve as an Army Chaplain by the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
Chaplain Bailey’s military education includes Basic Combat Training, Advanced Individual Training for Track Vehicle Mechanics (63Y) and Chaplain Assistant (71M), Primary Leadership Development Course, US Army Chaplain Officer Basic Course, Air Assault School, Chaplain Captain Career Course, Clinical Pastoral Education Residency, Combat Medical Ministry Course, Brigade Chaplain Course, Joint Planner Course, AIPR Genocide Prevention Course, Resident Command and General Staff College, Pathfinder School, Airborne School, Defense Strategy Course, Foundational Instructor Facilitator Course, Army Force Management School, Doctrine Developers Course, Action Officer Integration Course, and the Army War College.
Chaplain Bailey first entered active duty in July 1991. He has served with 4/3 ADA (3ID), Kitzingen, Germany, 2-1 ADA (11ADA), Fort Bliss, Texas, and 89th Chemical (3ACR), Fort Bliss, Texas. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant in July 1995. He entered the Army Reserve and served with, 369th Chemical (90th RSC), MacGregor Range, New Mexico, the 5035th GSU (90th RSC), Fort Bliss, Texas, and the 92nd CM BN, Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Since re-entering active duty he has served with 2-43 ADA (108ADA), Fort Bliss, Texas, 2-2 AVN (2ID), Camp Stanley, Korea, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C., 86th Combat Support Hospital (CSH), Fort Campbell, Kentucky, 3d BCT (3ID), Fort Benning, Georgia, Deputy Division Chaplain 10th Mountain Division (LI), Command Chaplain, U.S. Forces – Afghanistan, Chief, Concepts and Doctrine, United States Army Chaplain Center and School, and Chaplain Corps Force Management Officer, Office of the Chief of Chaplains. He has deployed twice in support of Operation Iraq Freedom, once in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and once in support of Operation Resolute Support.
Chaplain Bailey’s awards and decorations include the Presidential Unit Citation (Navy), Joint Meritorious Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Citation, Army Superior Unit Award, Bronze Star – one oak leaf, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal – silver oak leaf, Army Commendation Medal – fourth oak leaf, Army Achievement Medal – fourth oak leaf, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 1 Campaign star, Iraq Campaign Medal with 4 Campaign Stars, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal with 1 bronze service star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon – fifth award, and the NATO medal. He is authorized to wear the Combat Action, Pathfinder, Parachutist, Air Assault, Basic Army Instructor, and Army Staff Identification Badges.
Chaplain Bailey is currently serving as the Command Chaplain for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He is married to the former Sara Ruth Hahn of Bernalillo, New Mexico and they have two sons, Andrew and Joshua.