Arkansas State University’s ROTC program has a new military science professor. Major Joseph (Joe) Loar has been appointed professor of military science.

Loar received a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Tennessee and was appointed an infantry officer in 2005. He received a master’s degree in military arts and sciences with general studies and a major in history from the Command and General Staff College in 2015.

“We welcome Major Loar to the State of Arkansas and the Red Wolf Battalion,” said ASU Chancellor Kelly Damphousse. “The ROTC program has a rich history at A-State since its founding in 1936, and we look forward to the new Professor of Military Sciences leading the program, which prepares future military officers.”

His last posting was operations adviser for the 3rd Squadron, the 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade at Fort Benning, Ga., And a deployment in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel in Southeastern United Afghanistan.

“I am absolutely honored to join the Red Wolf family, this historic ROTC program and the Jonesboro community,” said Loar. “Our team here in the Department of Military Sciences is excited about this upcoming school year as we provide a resource for varsity athletes in this region to serve their nation as adaptive leaders who excel and win in any environment.”

After completing the Basic Infantry Officer Course and Ranger School, Loar’s first posting was to Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, where he served as ATGM Platoon Leader, Platoon Leader of Scout riflemen and platoon leader in the 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment (Gimlets), 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division 2006-2009.

During the redeployment of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2009, Major Loar completed the Career Course for Infantry Maneuver Captains. In the 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, he assumed the duties of Assistant Operations Officer before taking command of Company A, 1st Battalion 505th PIR from 2010-2011, followed by a second command at HHC, 2nd Battalion 505th PIR of 2011-2012.

After commanding the company, Major Loar served as aide-de-camp to the commanding general of the US Army Africa from 2012 to 2014 before attending the Command and General Staff College (CGSC) at Fort. Leavenworth, Kan. After graduating in 2015, he was posted to the 101st Airborne Division in Fort Campbell, Ky.

Major Loar was the executive officer of the battalion of the 1st Battalion of the 506th Infantry (Currahee) from 2015 to 2016, and the executive officer of the 1st Brigade Combat Team (Bastogne) from 2016 to 2017.

His military awards and decorations include the Bronze Medal with Oak Leaf, Meritorious Service Medal with 3 Oak Leaves, Army Medal of Honor, Army Medal of Honor with Oak Leaf, combat infantry badge and expert infantry badge.