Lt. Col. Austin Commons graduated with a bachelor of science degree in English from the United States Military Academy and was commissioned as an infantry officer in 2006. He completed Basic Officer Leadership Course, Infantry Officer Basic Course, and Ranger School at Fort Benning, GA. LTC Commons was first assigned as the platoon leader of 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, 1-187 IN of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (AASLT) at Fort Campbell, KY. He deployed to Yusifiyah, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
After completing the Maneuver Captain’s Career Course, Lt. Col. Commons served in 1-8 CAV, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, TX where he was assigned as the Company Commander for Bravo Company. He deployed to Baqubah, Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn. Lt. Col. Commons was then assigned to the 75th Ranger Regiment’s Special Troops Battalion at Fort Benning, GA where he served as the Battalion Assistant Operations Officer, Task Force Chief of Operations, Battalion Operations Officer, and Regimental Reconnaissance Company Commander. Lt. Col. Commons deployed to Afghanistan three times in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Resolute Support. He then completed Intermediate Level Education (ILE) at the Naval War College in Newport, RI where he earned his Master’s degree in Defense and Strategic Studies.
Following the Naval Command and Staff Course, Lt. Col. Commons served in Alaska as the Battalion Operations Officer and Executive Officer for 3-509 IN, 4-25th Infantry Brigade (Airborne). He then volunteered for the 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA, serving as the Commander of Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion. He completed a tour as an advisor to the Armed Forces of Mongolia, followed by numerous other security cooperation activities with partner nations throughout the Indo-Pacific region. After concluding his service in 5th SFAB, Lt. Col. Commons served in the I Corps Commanding General’s Commander’s Initiatives Group and then as the Executive Officer to the Commanding General.
Lt. Col. Commons’ awards and decorations are commensurate with his time in service. He is married to Glorimar Irizarry Commons of Columbus, GA and they have two daughters, Liana (6) and Scarlett (4).