Thomas Cochran
Lake Elmo
Summary
Oversaw unit movement coordination, airspace management, and technical development of drone systems, demonstrating leadership and commitment to operational success.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sergeant | TUAS Unit Trainer | Technical Inspector
U.S. Army
02.2019 - Current
- Served as Aircraft Commander logging over 170 hours of aircraft commander time across multiple UAS platforms while ensuring mission execution, safety, and readiness.
- Performed over 600 maintenance hours as a technical inspector across 2 different TUAS platforms which resulted in no accidents or incidents.
- Managed maintenance schedules of 6 aircraft and 13 personnel with an average fully mission capable status of over 80 percent.
- Trained and mentored over 55 operators in both TUAS and sUAS operations, focusing on ISR, security operations and flight standardization.
- Engineered and programmed small UAS assets for unit-specific mission profiles, enhancing near real-time ISR and operational flexibility.
- Led UAS operations during two major training rotations, executing detailed tactical planning, coordinating airspace, system maintenance and troubleshooting aimed at improving platform employment in support of ground operations.
- Managed unit UAS movement, to include organization, filing flight plans, and conducting real-time air traffic control (ATC) communications during operations.
- Developed and implemented standard operating procedures (SOPs) to improve team efficiency, mission effectiveness, and UAS system readiness.
- Lead Aircraft Commander for 25 operators on the qualification and proficiency on a new equipment system while in South Korea.
- Key contributor in launching and maintaining the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team’s Innovation Center for small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS), promoting drone integration.
Education
No Degree - Economics
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MIBusiness Management
Century College
White Bear Lake, MNSkills
- Achieved timely project completion while maintaining budget constraints through effective team management Drove project success by optimizing resource allocation and enhancing team collaboration Delivered high-quality results that met stakeholder expectations
- Implemented effective personnel management strategies to optimize workforce efficiency and engagement
- Oversaw team dynamics and performance, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement
- Achieved successful tactical mission outcomes through meticulous planning and resource management Enhanced operational efficiency by streamlining communication and coordination among teams Delivered comprehensive mission plans that aligned with strategic objectives
- Managed maintenance inspection scheduling and supervision processes to enhance equipment reliability and performance
- Analyzed objectives and resources to create detailed mission plans that support successful execution
- Achieved successful deployment of UAV systems by optimizing programming solutions Enhanced project delivery timelines through effective collaboration with engineering teams Improved system performance and reliability through targeted programming efforts
- Achieved timely and efficient logistics solutions that enhanced company movement Improved inventory turnover through effective management of transportation resources Drove operational improvements that resulted in increased customer satisfaction
- Achieved enhanced team performance through targeted leadership development initiatives Drove operational improvements that resulted in increased employee engagement and productivity Cultivated a pipeline of skilled leaders prepared to meet organizational challenges
- Achieved successful software deployment for unmanned aerial systems through effective programming and collaboration Enhanced system capabilities, resulting in improved operational efficiency Delivered innovative solutions that addressed user needs and increased overall satisfaction
- Achieved improved flight planning accuracy through effective use of specialized tools Enhanced pilot training effectiveness by implementing advanced simulation techniques Delivered streamlined processes that increased operational readiness and safety
- Reviewed and optimized radio communication protocols to improve team coordination and response times
- Achieved improved mission outcomes through effective management of briefing and debriefing sessions Enhanced team alignment and communication, resulting in streamlined operations Captured and documented key insights to inform future missions
- Leveraged advanced skills in Microsoft Office to create comprehensive presentations and detailed spreadsheets
- Achieved effective communication of mission objectives through well-structured briefings Enhanced team collaboration by implementing streamlined communication processes Drove successful outcomes by fostering a culture of open dialogue and information exchange
- Analyzed risk factors and established proactive measures to minimize impact on project outcomes and business objectives
- Achieved improved team performance through effective mentorship and coaching programs Enhanced individual capabilities, resulting in increased project success rates Drove a culture of continuous learning and development within the team
- Analyzed and organized tasks based on urgency and impact to optimize workflow in rapidly changing environments
- Analyzed program performance metrics and maintained comprehensive tracking systems for ongoing evaluation and improvement
- Managed allocation and scheduling of resources to ensure timely project execution
- Developed and implemented clear communication protocols to improve information flow within the organization
- Achieved improved team performance through targeted coaching efforts Drove employee development initiatives that resulted in enhanced skill sets Cultivated a culture of continuous learning through effective training programs
- Implemented cutting-edge computer technology to optimize workflows and drive productivity across teams
- Mission Planning
Certification
- Small Unmanned Aerial Systems Master Trainer
- TUAS Aircraft Commander
- Active Secret Security Clearance
- Technical Inspector
- Cross Fit Level 1
Leadership and Training
- Developmental Leadership Course
- Basic Leaders Course
- Unit Trainer Evaluator Course
Timeline
Sergeant | TUAS Unit Trainer | Technical Inspector
U.S. Army
02.2019 - Current
No Degree - Economics
Michigan State University
Business Management
Century College