Alan R. Lynn
Encyclopedia
U.S. Army Major General Alan R. Lynn is the Commanding General, U.S. Army Signal Center of Excellence (SIGCoE), the Chief of Signal for the United States Army Signal Corps
, and the Senior Mission Commander for Fort Gordon
, Georgia
.
, California, PA, earning a bachelor's degree in English. He also holds a master's degree in National Resource Management from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (ICAF)
. His military education includes the Air Defense Artillery Basic and Advanced Courses, the Signal Officer Advanced Course, the United States Air Force
Information Systems Officer’s Course, the Command and General Staff College
and the Defense Language Institute
.
Major General Lynn branch transferred to the Signal Corps
, and served as the Training Officer for the 5th Signal Command in Worms, Germany. In 1986, he took command of the 324th Signal Company, 72d Signal Battalion, Karlsruhe, Germany, in support of the US Army Europe (USAREUR) Main Command Post.
Following his second company command, Major General Lynn attended the Signal Officer Advance Course at Ft. Gordon, GA, and the Air Force Information Systems Officer’s Course at Keesler Air Force Base, MS. He was then assigned as the Division Radio Officer for the 101st Airborne Division
. In 1990, he served as the Brigade Signal Officer for the 1st Infantry Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, during operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
In June 1992, he graduated from the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, KS, and returned to Europe where he served as the S-3 for the 97th Signal Battalion in Mannheim, Germany. Following his time as the Battalion S3, he was selected to command the newly-formed 414th Signal Company as a Field Grade Officer, supporting Land Forces Central Europe (LANDCENT).
From June 1994 to April 1997, Major General Lynn served as the Signal Branch Lieutenant Colonel’s Assignment Officer and the Lieutenant Colonel Command Program Manager in PERSCOM (now Human Resources Command). While serving at PERSCOM, he helped digititize the command's manual slating process.
In 1997, Major General Lynn assumed command of the 13th Signal Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, at Fort Hood, TX. He deployed the battalion for Operation JOINT FORGE between 1998 and 1999. While deployed, the battalion supported Task Force Eagle, Multi-Nation Division (North), in Tuzla, Bosnia-Herzegovina. In 2000, he was assigned as an Action Officer in the Network Management Division of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, J6, at the Pentagon. Following the September 11th attack on the Pentagon, he was selected as the Division Chief for the Commander-in-Chief (CINC) Operations and Support Division of the J6.
Major General Lynn took command of the 3d Signal Brigade
, Fort Hood, TX, in 2002. In January 2004, he deployed the brigade to 66 locations across Iraq, and was recognized by Congress for creating the largest tactical communications network |[Congressional Record::File:Congressional Letter, MG Alan R. Lynn.pdf in the U.S. Army's history.
In 2005, Major General Lynn was assigned to the Department of the Army Chief Information Officer/G6 Office as the Division Chief for LandWarNet Integration Division. He was later selected to serve as the Executive Officer to the Army CIO/G6.
In 2007, Major General Lynn became the Chief of Staff for the Defense Information Systems Agency
, Arlington, VA. DISA provides command, control, and combat support systems for the President, Secretary of Defense, Combatant Commanders, Joint Staff, military departments, and combat support agencies. As the Chief of Staff, Major General Lynn was responsible for coordinating the efforts of a 6,600-member organization and managing a $6-billion yearly budget.
In 2008, Major General Lynn was selected to command the 311th Signal Command (Theater)
, Fort Shafter, Hawaii.
Major General Lynn assumed command of the U.S. Army Signal Center of Excellence (SIGCoE) and Fort Gordon
, Georgia
and assumed responsibility as the Army’s 35th Chief of Signal
on 21 July 2010.
MAJ - Developed the NATO interface manual to connect all NATO switchboards to US switchboards (NATO 5040 interfaces) with WO1 Mark Morrel, who now works at the Fort Gordon Battle Lab.
LTC - Human Resources Command (HRC/PERSCOM) - Developed the automated Brigade and Battalion CDPL the Officer Selection Support System (OSSS) Program Management System used to slate Battalion and Brigade commanders. One by product was the "photo ORB." Both are still in use today. Also served as a White House Social Aide for President Clinton.
LTC - Battalion Command - Created the first NATO and non-NATO network (now called CENTRIX) in Bosnia with MG Kevin Byrnes, 1st Cavalry Division. Tested the first use of Voice over IP in combat with the help of CISCO and WO1 Ed Johnson. Conducted the first VTC wedding (with proxies at both ends) with WO1 Rick Pena. Worked with Brian Lass and General Dynamics to create the first high speed multiplex (MUX) cards for MSE (provided a high speed network), set up a "Skype-like" capability for Soldiers to talk to Families from Bosnia before there was Skype. Much credit to MAJ John Morrison, now COL(P) Morrison for his help and leadership
LTC - Joint Staff J6 Current Ops (9/11) - Mapped out all communications in the Pentagon while it was burning, where one did not exist during the 9/11 attack, directing fire fighters away from the communications closets, thereby keeping the Pentagon operational during and after 9/11.
COL - Set up a digital Family Readiness Group at Fort Hood that was considered by GEN Ellis, FORSCOM Commander as the "Gold Standard". The large use of the facility required a full-time staff member which became the first Family Readiness Support Assistant (FRSA), which is now proliferated throughout the Army.
Directed the III Corps G6 and the CTSF Staff to develop the Combined Information Data Network Exchange (CIDNE) which was developed to be the primary bridge between disparate communities to share data. Still used in CENTCOM as a primary SIGACT and Counter-IED tool. Recognized by Congress for creating the largest tactical communication network in history during OIF 2.
BG - Created a paperless work environment in DISA, 311th Signal Command, and the United States Army Signal Center of Excellence and Fort Gordon.
MG - Worked to redesign the doctrine and education for Officers, Warrant Officers, NCO's and Soldiers. Redesigned all enlisted signal MOS's, redesigned the future equipment being used by the Army that was coined microcyber or "μcyber", and refocused the acquisition process to streamline system upgrades.
United States Army Signal Corps
The United States Army Signal Corps develops, tests, provides, and manages communications and information systems support for the command and control of combined arms forces. It was established in 1860, the brainchild of United States Army Major Albert J. Myer, and has had an important role from...
, and the Senior Mission Commander for Fort Gordon
Fort Gordon
Fort Gordon, formerly known as Camp Gordon, is a United States Army installation established in 1917. It is the current home of the United States Army Signal Corps and Signal Center and was once the home of "The Provost Marshal General School" . The fort is located in Richmond, Jefferson, McDuffie,...
, Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
.
Education
In 1979, Major General Lynn graduated from the California University of PennsylvaniaCalifornia University of Pennsylvania
California University of Pennsylvania is a public university located in California, Pennsylvania, USA. Founded in 1852, it is a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Cal U's enrollment is approximately 9,400.The main campus consists of about 38 buildings situated on 92 acres...
, California, PA, earning a bachelor's degree in English. He also holds a master's degree in National Resource Management from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (ICAF)
Industrial College of the Armed Forces
The Industrial College of the Armed Forces is a U.S. military educational institution tasked with preparing military officers and civilian government officials for leadership and executive positions in the field of national security...
. His military education includes the Air Defense Artillery Basic and Advanced Courses, the Signal Officer Advanced Course, the United States Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
Information Systems Officer’s Course, the Command and General Staff College
Command and General Staff College
The United States Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas is a graduate school for United States Army and sister service officers, interagency representatives, and international military officers. The college was established in 1881 by William Tecumseh Sherman as a...
and the Defense Language Institute
Defense Language Institute
The Defense Language Institute is a United States Department of Defense educational and research institution, which provides linguistic and cultural instruction to the Department of Defense, other Federal Agencies and numerous and varied other customers...
.
Military career
Major General Lynn commissioned into the United States Army in 1979 as an Air Defense Artillery Officer. His first assignment was with the 1-51st Air Defense Artillery Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, Ft. Ord, CA, where he served as a Chaparral and Stinger Platoon Leader, Air Defense Fire Support Officer, and C Company Executive Officer. Following the Air Defense Artillery Advance Course, he attended the Defense Language Institute to learn Italian. In 1984, he commanded the 1-34th United States Army Artillery Detachment, a Nike Hercules missile special weapons warhead team, in Ceggia, Italy.Major General Lynn branch transferred to the Signal Corps
United States Army Signal Corps
The United States Army Signal Corps develops, tests, provides, and manages communications and information systems support for the command and control of combined arms forces. It was established in 1860, the brainchild of United States Army Major Albert J. Myer, and has had an important role from...
, and served as the Training Officer for the 5th Signal Command in Worms, Germany. In 1986, he took command of the 324th Signal Company, 72d Signal Battalion, Karlsruhe, Germany, in support of the US Army Europe (USAREUR) Main Command Post.
Following his second company command, Major General Lynn attended the Signal Officer Advance Course at Ft. Gordon, GA, and the Air Force Information Systems Officer’s Course at Keesler Air Force Base, MS. He was then assigned as the Division Radio Officer for the 101st Airborne Division
101st Airborne Division
The 101st Airborne Division—the "Screaming Eagles"—is a U.S. Army modular light infantry division trained for air assault operations. During World War II, it was renowned for its role in Operation Overlord, the D-Day landings on 6 June 1944, in Normandy, France, Operation Market Garden, the...
. In 1990, he served as the Brigade Signal Officer for the 1st Infantry Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, during operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
In June 1992, he graduated from the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, KS, and returned to Europe where he served as the S-3 for the 97th Signal Battalion in Mannheim, Germany. Following his time as the Battalion S3, he was selected to command the newly-formed 414th Signal Company as a Field Grade Officer, supporting Land Forces Central Europe (LANDCENT).
From June 1994 to April 1997, Major General Lynn served as the Signal Branch Lieutenant Colonel’s Assignment Officer and the Lieutenant Colonel Command Program Manager in PERSCOM (now Human Resources Command). While serving at PERSCOM, he helped digititize the command's manual slating process.
In 1997, Major General Lynn assumed command of the 13th Signal Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, at Fort Hood, TX. He deployed the battalion for Operation JOINT FORGE between 1998 and 1999. While deployed, the battalion supported Task Force Eagle, Multi-Nation Division (North), in Tuzla, Bosnia-Herzegovina. In 2000, he was assigned as an Action Officer in the Network Management Division of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, J6, at the Pentagon. Following the September 11th attack on the Pentagon, he was selected as the Division Chief for the Commander-in-Chief (CINC) Operations and Support Division of the J6.
Major General Lynn took command of the 3d Signal Brigade
3rd Signal Brigade (United States)
The 3d Signal Brigade of the United States Army was an element of III Corps. It was based at Fort Hood, Texas, but was inactivated on 15 April 2008 as part of the transformation of the U.S. Army to a Modular Force Structure...
, Fort Hood, TX, in 2002. In January 2004, he deployed the brigade to 66 locations across Iraq, and was recognized by Congress for creating the largest tactical communications network |[Congressional Record::File:Congressional Letter, MG Alan R. Lynn.pdf in the U.S. Army's history.
In 2005, Major General Lynn was assigned to the Department of the Army Chief Information Officer/G6 Office as the Division Chief for LandWarNet Integration Division. He was later selected to serve as the Executive Officer to the Army CIO/G6.
In 2007, Major General Lynn became the Chief of Staff for the Defense Information Systems Agency
Defense Information Systems Agency
The Defense Information Systems Agency is a United States Department of Defense agency that provides information technology and communications support to the President, Vice President, Secretary of Defense, the military Services, and the Combatant Commands.As part of the Base Realignment and...
, Arlington, VA. DISA provides command, control, and combat support systems for the President, Secretary of Defense, Combatant Commanders, Joint Staff, military departments, and combat support agencies. As the Chief of Staff, Major General Lynn was responsible for coordinating the efforts of a 6,600-member organization and managing a $6-billion yearly budget.
In 2008, Major General Lynn was selected to command the 311th Signal Command (Theater)
311th Signal Command
311th Signal Command as the designated Signal command for the Army Service Component Commands within the Pacific and Korean theaters, the 311th Signal Command combines the strengths of more than 3000 active-duty soldiers, U.S. Army Reserve soldiers and Army civilians to bring expertise, experience...
, Fort Shafter, Hawaii.
Major General Lynn assumed command of the U.S. Army Signal Center of Excellence (SIGCoE) and Fort Gordon
Fort Gordon
Fort Gordon, formerly known as Camp Gordon, is a United States Army installation established in 1917. It is the current home of the United States Army Signal Corps and Signal Center and was once the home of "The Provost Marshal General School" . The fort is located in Richmond, Jefferson, McDuffie,...
, Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
and assumed responsibility as the Army’s 35th Chief of Signal
United States Army Signal Corps
The United States Army Signal Corps develops, tests, provides, and manages communications and information systems support for the command and control of combined arms forces. It was established in 1860, the brainchild of United States Army Major Albert J. Myer, and has had an important role from...
on 21 July 2010.
Contributions
CPT(P) - Infantry Brigade SIGO - Designed all Single Channel Networks for the 101st Airborne Division, Air Assault, into Iraq for Desert Storm under the command of Colonel Tom Hill, later General Hill. It was the largest Air Assault in the U.S. Army's History.MAJ - Developed the NATO interface manual to connect all NATO switchboards to US switchboards (NATO 5040 interfaces) with WO1 Mark Morrel, who now works at the Fort Gordon Battle Lab.
LTC - Human Resources Command (HRC/PERSCOM) - Developed the automated Brigade and Battalion CDPL the Officer Selection Support System (OSSS) Program Management System used to slate Battalion and Brigade commanders. One by product was the "photo ORB." Both are still in use today. Also served as a White House Social Aide for President Clinton.
LTC - Battalion Command - Created the first NATO and non-NATO network (now called CENTRIX) in Bosnia with MG Kevin Byrnes, 1st Cavalry Division. Tested the first use of Voice over IP in combat with the help of CISCO and WO1 Ed Johnson. Conducted the first VTC wedding (with proxies at both ends) with WO1 Rick Pena. Worked with Brian Lass and General Dynamics to create the first high speed multiplex (MUX) cards for MSE (provided a high speed network), set up a "Skype-like" capability for Soldiers to talk to Families from Bosnia before there was Skype. Much credit to MAJ John Morrison, now COL(P) Morrison for his help and leadership
LTC - Joint Staff J6 Current Ops (9/11) - Mapped out all communications in the Pentagon while it was burning, where one did not exist during the 9/11 attack, directing fire fighters away from the communications closets, thereby keeping the Pentagon operational during and after 9/11.
COL - Set up a digital Family Readiness Group at Fort Hood that was considered by GEN Ellis, FORSCOM Commander as the "Gold Standard". The large use of the facility required a full-time staff member which became the first Family Readiness Support Assistant (FRSA), which is now proliferated throughout the Army.
Directed the III Corps G6 and the CTSF Staff to develop the Combined Information Data Network Exchange (CIDNE) which was developed to be the primary bridge between disparate communities to share data. Still used in CENTCOM as a primary SIGACT and Counter-IED tool. Recognized by Congress for creating the largest tactical communication network in history during OIF 2.
BG - Created a paperless work environment in DISA, 311th Signal Command, and the United States Army Signal Center of Excellence and Fort Gordon.
MG - Worked to redesign the doctrine and education for Officers, Warrant Officers, NCO's and Soldiers. Redesigned all enlisted signal MOS's, redesigned the future equipment being used by the Army that was coined microcyber or "μcyber", and refocused the acquisition process to streamline system upgrades.
Promotions
2LT - 7 Jun 79
1LT - 21 Feb 81
CPT - 1 Jun 83
MAJ - 1 Jun 91
LTC - 1 Feb 96
COL - 1 Dec 01
BG - 2 May 08
MG - 2 Feb 11
Awards, Decorations and Badges
 |
Distinguished Service Medal Distinguished Service Medal (United States) The Distinguished Service Medal is the highest non-valorous military and civilian decoration of the United States military which is issued for exceptionally meritorious service to the government of the United States in either a senior government service position or as a senior officer of the United... |
 |
Defense Superior Service Medal Defense Superior Service Medal The Defense Superior Service Medal is a senior United States military decoration of the Department of Defense, awarded to members of the United States armed forces who perform "superior meritorious service in a position of significant responsibility."... |
 |
Legion of Merit Legion of Merit The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements... |
| Bronze Star Bronze Star Medal The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the... (with Oak Leaf Cluster Oak leaf cluster An oak leaf cluster is a common device which is placed on U.S. Army and Air Force awards and decorations to denote those who have received more than one bestowal of a particular decoration. The number of oak leaf clusters typically indicates the number of subsequent awards of the decoration... ) |
|
 |
Defense Meritorious Service Medal Defense Meritorious Service Medal The Defense Meritorious Service Medal is the third-highest award bestowed upon members of the United States military by the United States Department of Defense... |
| Meritorious Service Medal Meritorious Service Medal (United States) The Meritorious Service Medal is a military decoration presented to members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States subsequent to January 16, 1969... (with two Oak Leaf Clusters Oak leaf cluster An oak leaf cluster is a common device which is placed on U.S. Army and Air Force awards and decorations to denote those who have received more than one bestowal of a particular decoration. The number of oak leaf clusters typically indicates the number of subsequent awards of the decoration... ) |
|
 |
Joint Service Commendation Medal |
| Army Commendation Medal Commendation Medal The Commendation Medal is a mid-level United States military decoration which is presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. For valorous actions in direct contact with an enemy force, but of a lesser degree than required for the award of the Bronze Star, the Valor device may... (with two Oak Leaf Clusters Oak leaf cluster An oak leaf cluster is a common device which is placed on U.S. Army and Air Force awards and decorations to denote those who have received more than one bestowal of a particular decoration. The number of oak leaf clusters typically indicates the number of subsequent awards of the decoration... ) |
|
 |
Army Achievement Medal |
| National Defense Service Medal National Defense Service Medal The National Defense Service Medal is a military service medal of the United States military originally commissioned by President Dwight D. Eisenhower... (with two bronze Service Stars Service star A service star, also referred to as a battle star, campaign star, or engagement star, is an attachment to a United States military decoration which denotes participation in military campaigns or multiple bestowals of the same award. Service stars are typically issued for campaign medals, service... ) |
|
 |
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is a military award of the United States military, which was first created in 1961 by Executive Order of President John Kennedy... |
| Southwest Asia Service Medal Southwest Asia Service Medal The Southwest Asia Service Medal is a military award of the United States armed forces which was created by order of President George H.W. Bush on March 12, 1991. The award is intended to recognize those military service members who performed duty during the years of the Persian Gulf War... (with two bronze Service Star Service star A service star, also referred to as a battle star, campaign star, or engagement star, is an attachment to a United States military decoration which denotes participation in military campaigns or multiple bestowals of the same award. Service stars are typically issued for campaign medals, service... s) |
|
 |
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal is a United States armed forces military award created by George W. Bush on March 12, 2003 by Executive Order 13289. It recognizes those military service members who have deployed overseas in direct service to the War on Terror from September 11,... |
 |
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Global War on Terrorism Service Medal The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal is a military award of the United States military which was created by Executive Order 13289 of President George W. Bush on March 12, 2003... |
 |
Armed Forces Reserve Medal Armed Forces Reserve Medal The Armed Forces Reserve Medal is a military award of the United States Armed Forces that has existed since 1950. The medal recognizes service performed by the Reserve and National Guard forces of the United States of America.... |
 |
Army Service Ribbon Army Service Ribbon The Army Service Ribbon is a military decoration of the United States Army that was established by the Secretary of the Army on 10 April 1981 as announced in Department of the Army General Order 15, dated 10 October 1990.... |
| Army Overseas Service Ribbon (with award numeral "5") | |
| NATO Medal NATO Medal The NATO Medal is an international military decoration which is awarded to various militaries of the world under the authority of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization . It is manufactured by Eekelers - Centini, International, of Hemiksem, Belgium... |
|
 |
Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia) Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia) The Naut Tahrir al-Kuwait was instituted by King Fahd ibn Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia for service during the Liberation of Kuwait campaign.- Background :... |
 |
Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait) Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait) The Wisam Al-Tahrir was issued by the government of Kuwait for service during the Liberation of Kuwait campaign.-Description:The Kuwait Liberation Medal was approved by the Kuwait Council of Ministers for award in five classes, generally according to the rank of the recipient... |
 |
Basic Parachutist Badge Parachutist Badge (United States) The Parachutist Badge, also commonly referred to as "Jump Wings" or "Snow Cone", is a military badge of the United States Armed Forces awarded to members of the United States Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy... |
 |
Air Assault Badge Air Assault Badge The Air Assault Badge, pictured to the right, is awarded by the U.S. Army for successful completion of the Air Assault School, a two-week course. The course includes three phases of instruction involving U.S. Army rotary wing aircraft: combat air assault operations; rigging and slingload... |
 |
Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge The Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge is a U.S. Military badge presented to the members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff upon appointment to position as either a Service Head, Vice Chairman, or Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The decoration is also authorized to staff and... |
 |
Army Staff Identification Badge Army Staff Identification Badge The Army Staff Identification Badge is a badge of the United States Army worn by personnel who serve at the Office of the Secretary of the Army and the Army Staff at Headquarters, Department of the Army and its agencies. Neither an award nor a decoration, the badge is a distinguishing emblem of... |