Colonel Zachary PetersonCOL Zachary Peterson
Commander, 19th Battlefield Coordination Detachment

COL "Zach" Peterson was born in Genoa, WI and grew up on a dairy farm. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Field Artillery in August 2003.

COL Peterson also holds a Master of Arts in Management and Leadership from Webster University and is a Master of Arts in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.

COL Peterson served as the Battalion Commander for 3-314th Field Artillery, 174th IN BDE, 1A, JBMDL, NJ from 2021 to 2023. Following Battalion Command, Zach served as the Branch Chief, CCJ3-J35-Levant USCENTCOM, MacDill, AFB, FL from 2023-2025.

As a Major, COL Peterson served as the Brigade FSO and Battalion XO for 2-8 FA, 1SBCT, 25ID, Fort Wainwright, AK from 2015 to 2018 and Executive Officer for USAG-Alaska, Fort Wainwright, Ak from 2018 to 2019; and Chief of Plans and Deputy Commanding Officer for 5th BCD, USARPAC, JBPH-Hickam, HI from 2019 to 2021. 

As a Captain, COL Peterson served as the Battalion FSO for 2-5 CAV, 1/1CD, Battery Commander for Bravo/1-82 FA, and Company Commander HHC, 1BSTB, 1/1CD, Fort Hood, TX from 2009 to 2012; Field Artillery Captain's Career Course Small Group Instructor and Alpha Battery FA BOLC Commander 1-30th FA, 428th FAB, Fort Sill, OK from 2012 to 2015.

As a Lieutenant, COL Peterson served as a Company FSO, Battery FDO, Battalion Rear-D Commander at 1-5FA, 1/1 ID, Fort Riley, KS from 2004 to 2007 and BDE MiTT Team Rear-D Commander for 1/1 ID, Fort Riley, KS from 2007 to 2008.

COL Peterson’s awards and decorations include: the Bronze Star, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (3 OLC), the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the NATO Medal and the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara. His deployments include OIF, OND, and OEF.

COL Peterson and his wife Renee have four adult children and two lovely granddaughters.
 

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