PMS - LTC Laakso

Lieutenant Colonel Daniel P. Laakso
Professor of Military Science

Lieutenant Colonel Daniel P. Laakso hails from South Bend, Indiana.  He is a Distinguished Military Graduate from Texas A&M University where he commissioned as an Infantry Officer.  He served as a Stryker Platoon Leader and Battle Captain in 25th Infantry Division while deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom 07-09, before transitioning to the Signal Corps through the Army branch detail program.  

LTC Laakso went on to serve as the Battalion Signal Officer for 2d Battalion, 506th Infantry, 101st Air Assault Division in East Paktika, Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom X-XI.  Upon redeployment, he took command of the 4th Brigade Signal Company.  

In 2013, LTC Laakso successfully completed the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program and was assigned to 3d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment as the Battalion Signal Officer where he served for two years and deployed twice to Afghanistan.  In 2016, LTC Laakso was assigned to USASOC where he served a variety of assignments including Company Commander, Technical Operations Officer, Battalion Operations Officer, and Brigade Signal Officer, and deployed twice to the Central Command Area of Operations.

LTC Laakso's military education includes Airborne School, Air Assault School, Joint Military Free Fall Course, Operations Training Course, and the U.S. Naval War College.  His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (3d award), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (3d award), Army Achievement Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Joint Meritorious Unit Award (2d award), Valorous Unit Award, Ranger Tab, Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, British and German Foreign Jump Wings, German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge.

LTC Laakso is married to Allison Pitts of South Bend, Indiana.  They have two children, Olivia (9), and William (6).