COL Christopher B. Carlile, former Army Sergeant, commissioned in 1989 as a Second Lieutenant of Aviation, holds a BS in Zoology from Arkansas State University, an MBA from Embry-Riddle, and an MS in Strategic Studies from the Air War College. A veteran of five combat tours, he is a certified maintenance examiner and maintenance test pilot with over 3,000 flight hours, including 500 in combat.

His military education includes the Depot and Arsenal Leaders Program, Air War College, and others. He was the first Army Officer certified as a Nuclear Strike Advisor, serving under President George W. Bush from 2003-2005.

COL Carlile's career highlights include deploying to Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Provide Comfort, Restore Hope, Kosovo, and Afghanistan. He commanded several units, including the N8-101 (AVIM) at Fort Campbell and 1-223d Aviation Regiment. He was also Deputy Chief of Staff for the U.S. Aviation Center of Excellence and Director of the UAS Center of Excellence, where he developed the Army's UAS Roadmap through 2035.

He retired on October 1, 2014, after more than 25 years of service. His awards include the Army Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and many others.

Since retiring, COL Carlile has served as Vice President of Aviation Operations for URS, an AECOM company. He is the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Army Aviation Museum Foundation and holds life memberships in multiple veterans' organizations. He and his wife Sandy reside in Enterprise, AL. They have one daughter, Chelsea Brincks, and three grandchildren.

Colonel (Retired) Carlile significantly impacted Army Aviation, reorganizing the Corpus Christi Army Depot, developing the UAS Roadmap, and serving as a Nuclear Strike Advisor. He was inducted into the Greene County Veteran's Hall of Fame in 2015.