Mr. John Byrd is currently the Military Science Instructor for the University of North Alabama’s Department of Military Science (UNA ROTC). He simultaneously serves as Commander of Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion-117th Field Artillery Regiment (B BTRY, 1-117 FA) in the Alabama Army National Guard (AL ARNG) where he holds the rank of Captain.

Mr. Byrd attended the University of North Alabama and earned a Bachelor of Science in History in 2006 while also exceling as a student athlete on the UNA Baseball team. After college, Mr. Byrd enlisted in the AL ARNG where he served as an Intelligence Analyst. He earned his commission from Officer Candidate School (OCS) in 2011 by graduating from the Alabama Military Academy as an Honor Graduate. As a Lieutenant, he served as a Platoon Leader and Fire Direction Officer for A BTRY, 1-117 FA. He then returned to 2nd BN (OCS), 200th REG (LDR) as a TAC (Train, Assess, and Counsel) where he mentored and developed Officer Candidates in the art and science of leadership.

His military education includes Basic Training, Intelligence Analyst Course, Officer Candidate School, Field Artillery Basic Officer Leader Course, Air Assault Course, Army Basic Instructor Course, Platoon Trainer Qualification Course, Tactics Certification Course, and Maneuver Captain’s Career Course. Mr. Byrd also served as a Law Enforcement Officer with the cities of Florence, AL and Mountain Brook, AL prior to accepting his position as Military Science Instructor. He served in positions as a Patrolman, SWAT member, Field Training Officer, and Strategic Self-defense and Gunfighting Tactics instructor. He holds certifications and has extensive training and experience in small unit/team leadership and development.