Alan L. Parks

Acting Chief of Installation Readiness Division

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Headquarters
Published July 18, 2024

Mr. Alan L. Parks serves as the Acting Chief of Installation Readiness Division in June 2024. In this position he works to provide technical solutions for America’s Military installations by expanding the technical expertise of members of the DOD engineering community.  Parks leads the division in effectively applying USACE capabilities, contract capacities and other tools required to operate, maintain, sustain, restore and modernize America’s military infrastructure and real property assets. He is responsible for public works engineering technical expertise and guidance throughout USACE. He works collaboratively with the Office of the Assistant Secretary Army-Installations Energy and Environment and the Army Deputy Chief of Staff, G-9; Army land holding commands and Installation Management Command (IMCOM) senior leadership to develop and implement USACE installation engineering support policy and doctrine.

Prior to this assignment, Parks served as the Deputy Operations Director for the Army’s Deputy Chief of Staff, G-9 since July 9, 2018. Overseeing five Divisions within the Directorate, Mr. Parks was responsible to synchronize actions in resourcing and policy at all Army sites worldwide through ensuring staff support to over 120 personnel.

He graduated in 2018 with a Master of Science Degree in National Security Policy and Strategy from the United States Army War College in Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania.  Prior to that, Parks served as the Army’s Garrison Manager for Detroit Arsenal in Warren, Michigan, from July 28, 2011 to July 13, 2017.  Prior to this appointment, he served as the Deputy Garrison Manager at this location since March 2009.  He served as Director of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security for the U.S. Army Garrison – Detroit Arsenal from June 2004 to February 2009, fulfilling other temporary assignments as the Director of Logistics and Deputy Garrison Manager.  Prior to his service as a Department of Army Civilian, his corporate career in the private sector crossed multiple disciplines, including Mechanical, Electrical and Civil Engineering, Professional Sales, Business Operations and Facility Management. 

Parks has served in both the U.S. Army and Air Force.  His career included 25 plus years of training, operations and experience, beginning in 1982 as a Military Policeman for the Army (Active Duty), then enlisting in 1986 with the Michigan Air National Guard as a Security Forces member, and retirement in February 2009.  His military career is highlighted by multiple tours of service to this Nation, including mobilization to Active Duty during Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom.  In 2006, his military role changed when he was selected to serve as the Human Resources Advisor to the Wing Commander; advising leadership on issues related to Force Management, Force Development, Diversity and Mentoring for both the Officer and Enlisted corps.

Parks holds an Associate of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Mott Community College, a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management through Ashford University, and a Master of Science in National Strategic Studies with a focus on National Security Policy.  Aside from his civilian higher education, Parks holds numerous certifications within the Engineering, Security, and Emergency Management fields.  He also serves as a Lean/Six Sigma champion and holds a Green-belt certification.  His military education includes the US Air Force Non-Commissioned and Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, with his federal civilian education including the Army’s Civilian Education Series Advanced & Business Transformation Courses, and the Army War College.

Parks’ civilian awards include an Army Meritorious Civilian Service Award, Commander’s Award for Civilian Service (2) and Achievement Medal for Civilian Service (2).  He also holds both military and civilian awards as a competitive marksman in Rifle and Pistol disciplines, with Bronze Excellence-In-Competition Medals in both. His military awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Achievement Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Combat Readiness Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Air Force Recognition Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, and the Humanitarian Service Medal.