LTC Nicholas Ploetz is a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter pilot who has served in a variety of positions in the United States and overseas, including as a plans and policy officer for NATO Rapid Deployment Corps, Spain. His most recent position was as an assault helicopter battalion commander in the 101st Airborne Division Air Assault. Lieutenant Colonel Ploetz also has extensive deployment experience to both Afghanistan and Iraq. He holds a Bachelor of Science in International Relations from the United States Military Academy and a Master of Arts in National Security Affairs, from the Naval Postgraduate School.