Major Robert J. Leahy, Jr.
US Army Background
I led a long and varied career in the United States Army. I enlisted right out of high school to serve three years of active duty. During that time, I started as a Private (E-1) and achieved the rank of Specialist 5 (E-5) after two years. After the completion of that three year tour, I returned to civilian life. However, I felt I still had more to give, so I continued the rest of my initial six-year commitment (contract) in the US Army Reserve. At the end of my sixth year I decided to re-enlist in the Army Reserve for another six years; however that contract would end up being cut short.
I enjoyed my time as an enlisted Soldier and non-commissioned officer. I had achieved the rank of Sergeant First Class (E-7) by my seventh year of service. I still felt I had more to give personally and professionally, and decided to become a commissioned officer. Shortly after my eighth year, I received a direct appointment to Second Lieutenant (O-1). As an officer, I held many assignments and positions throughout the years and eventually achieved the rank of Major (O-4). In 1999, after 24 years of continued service (Active and Reserve), I decided to retire from the Army and was placed in the Retired Reserve (where every Soldier who retires from the Army goes). However this would not be the first time.
After the events of 9/11/2001, I volunteered my services to come out of retirement and to return to full active duty should the Army need me. In 2006, the Army took me up on my offer and recalled me to support the Global War on Terror. It was originally for a one-year tour, but I voluntarily extended for two more years. In 2009 I re-retired, spent a few more years in the Retired Reserve, and formally joined the rolls of a fully Retired Soldier in 2016.
My Military Biographical Summary contains information about my military education, promotions, awards and assignments over the total 34 years I wore a uniform. I continued to support my brothers and sisters of all military services as a civilian member of the US Department of Veterans Affairs until my retirement from that organization in 2019.
The following pages have information on positions I held or duties I performed, as an enlisted Soldier and officer, in the area of developing and conducting training:
