Tom Lainis

LTC Tom Lainis is a Special Forces Officer and Assistant Professor in the Department of Systems Engineering. He holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Environmental Geography from the United States Military Academy and a Master’s of Science in Defense Analysis from the Naval Postgraduate School.

LTC Lainis commissioned as an Infantry Officer in 2003. He served as a Scout Platoon Leader and Scout Company XO in the 101st Airborne Division. In 2008, LTC Lainis graduated the Special Forces Officer Qualification Course. He went on to serve in multiple command and staff positions within 10th Special Forces Group, SOCEUR, and SOCAFRICA. LTC Lainis has served in the USAFRICOM, USCENTCOM, and USEUCOM Areas of Responsibility, and has served in two U.S. Embassies in Africa.

LTC Lainis is married to MAJ Maia Molina-Schaefer, an Assistant Professor in the Department of English and World Languages; and they have 1 son.