Center for a New American Security

Lieutenant Colonel James R. Crider, a native of Mayfield, Kentucky, was commissioned as a 2LT of Infantry in 1988 from the University of Kentucky (UK). He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from UK and a Master of Science in Human Resources Management from Troy State University. His military education includes the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Airborne School, Ranger School, Air Assault School, Infantry Mortar Leader Course, Bradley Leader Course, Battalion Motor Officer Course, Infantry Officer Advanced Course, Combined Arms Services and Staff School (CAS3), and the Command and General Staff College (CGSC).

Lieutenant Colonel Crider’s previous assignments include serving as a Rifle Platoon Leader, Anti-Tank Platoon Leader, and Company Executive Officer in the Berlin Brigade in Berlin, Germany. His next assignment was with the Infantry Training Brigade as a Company Executive Officer and Battalion Operations Officer in the 2-58 Infantry. Following graduation from the Infantry Officers Advanced Course, he served with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (OPFOR) at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California as a Battalion S4, Commander of G Troop, and HHT/2-11 ACR. Lieutenant Colonel Crider’s next assignment was at Fort Benning, Georgia with the United States Army Infantry School (USAIS) as a Small Group instructor, USAIS Executive Officer, and Commander of B Company 2-11 IN (IOBC). Following graduation from the Command and General Staff College, he was assigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky as S3, 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry (Air Assault) where he deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom. During the deployment, he assumed the duties of Brigade S3 for the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). He then served as the Aide to the Commanding General, Fifth United States Army in San Antonio, Texas before assuming command of 1-4 Cavalry, 4 IBCT of the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas. Most recently, he deployed the 1-4 CAV to OIF V as part of the “surge” of 2007-08 in Baghdad. He currently serves as an Army Fellow at the Center for a New American Security in Washington DC. 

Lieutenant Colonel Crider’s awards include the Bronze Star Medal (1 OLC), Meritorious Service Medal (4 OLC), Army Commendation Medal (2 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (1 OLC), Army of Occupation Medal, National defense Service Medal, Operation Iraqi Freedom Campaign Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. He is also authorized to wear the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, Ranger Tab, Parachutist Badge, and the Air Assault Badge.

Lieutenant Colonel Crider is married to Jill Crider. They have one child, a son Jack (6).