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1st Medical Recruiting Battalion Commander

Lt. Col. William P. Gehlen

Lt. Col. Gehlen was born July 4, 1983, in Reno, Nevada and graduated from Bishop Manogue High School class of 2001. He graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Aeronautical Science and Minor in Air Traffic Control. He received his commission through ROTC, which he completed at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He graduated from Webster’s University in 2022 with a Master of Arts in Leadership and Organizational Development. 

Gehlen’s military education includes the AMEDD Officer Basic Course, AMEDD Captain’s Career Course, Recruiting Command Leader’s Course, NATO Joint Medical Planner Course, Command and General Staff College, and Army and USAREC Pre Command Course. He holds a commercial instrument airplane single and multi-engine flight certificate.

Gehlen has served in many leadership and staff positions to include: Treatment Platoon Leader, Charlie Company 168th Medical Battalion (AS), Camp Humphreys, South Korea (2005-2006); Executive Officer, HHC, 18th Medical Command, Yongsan Garrison, Korea (2006-2007); Company Commander, HHC, 18th Medical Command, Yongsan Garrison, Korea (2007-2008); Medical Operations and Plans Officer and Assistant S3 Plans Officer, 130th Engineer Brigade, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii (2008-2010) where he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; Medical Operations and Plans Officer, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii (2010-2013) where he deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom; Company Commander, New York City Medical Recruiting Company, Ft Hamilton, NY (2013-2015); Plans Officer, 30th Medical Brigade, Sembach, Germany (2015-2017); SPO and Executive Officer, 321st Medical Battalion (Multifunctional), Baumholder, Germany (2017-2019); Deputy Division Surgeon, 1st Cavalry Division, Ft Hood, Texas where he deployed to Poland in support of Atlantic Resolve; Chief, Plans, Training, Mobilization & Security for Ireland Army Health Clinic (2021-2023).

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (1 Oak Leaf), Meritorious Service Medal (5 Oak Leaf), Army Achievement Medal (1 Oak Leaf), Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Star, Iraqi Campaign Medal with Star, Korean Defense Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon (5th), NATO Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation (1 Oak Leaf), and Army Superior Unit Award. He is also a member of the Order of Military Medical Merit (O2M3).

Gehlen is a lifetime member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. His hobbies include golfing, collecting legos, flying, scuba diving, camping, and traveling.