COL Joseph A. Puskas II is a native of Clifton, NJ and graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1996 where he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Field Artillery. He transferred to the Electronic Warfare Functional Area in 2016, before joining the Cyber Branch the following year.
COL Puskas’ initial assignment was with the 2nd Infantry Division Artillery where he served as a Company Fire Support Officer, Platoon Leader, Battery XO, and Battalion Maintenance Officer. In 1999, COL Puskas arrived at Fort Sill, OK to serve as the USAFATC Assistant Brigade S-3, and later the 2-18 FA Adjutant. COL Puskas returned to Korea in 2001 as the 1-38 FA Assistant S-3 before commanding C Battery, 1-38 FA. In 2004, COL Puskas became the Battalion S-3 and XO for the 1-309 IN (AC/RC) at Fort Dix, NJ. He was then assigned to the 210 FA Brigade staff in 2006 as a Planner and the Deputy S-3 before becoming the Battalion S-3 for Special Troops Battalion - Korea (STB-K). In 2009, COL Puskas deployed supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom as the Multi-National Forces – Iraq (MNF-I) Chief of Targeting. He returned and served as the Battalion XO for 2-2 FA at Fort Sill. In 2012, COL Puskas served as the Deputy Commanding Officer for 212 Fires Brigade at Fort Bliss, TX. COL Puskas returned to Korea in 2014; serving as the Deputy Director for the Eighth Army (8A) G3 Fire Support Element. In 2016, COL Puskas transitioned from the Field Artillery to the Electromagnetic Warfare Functional Area, later Cyber Branch; and served as the 8A Electromagnetic Warfare Officer and the 2d Infantry ROK-US Combined Division’s Cyberspace Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA) Chief. In 2019, COL Puskas arrived at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA where he served as the I Corps’ G39 CEWO. COL Puskas assumed his role as the US Army Cyber & Electromagnetic Warfare School Assistant Commandant in July 2023.
COL Puskas holds a Master of Arts in International Relations from Webster University. His military education includes the Field Artillery Officers Basic and Captains Career Courses, Combined Arms Services Staff School, Electromagnetic Warfare Officer Qualification Course, and Command and General Staff Officers Course.
COL Puskas’ awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (7OLC), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (5OLC), Joint Service Achievement Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal (2OLC).