COL John F. Popiak assumed the role of the Deputy Commanding Officer for Operations (DCO-O), U.S. Army Cyber Command, on Sept. 16, 2024.
A native of Charlton, Mass., Popiak is a graduate of Stonehill College, where he was commissioned in 1999 as a second lieutenant in the Infantry. During his career he has served in command and staff positions across the Army and National Security Agency (NSA) with assignments in the United States, the Republic of Korea, Europe, Africa, and Afghanistan.
Prior to assuming the role of DCO-O, Popiak served as Chief of Operations (J3), Joint Force Headquarters-Cyber (Army). He has served in tactical, operational, and strategic cyberspace assignments, as well as leadership positions ranging from airborne rifle platoon leader through brigade commander, and as a senior intelligence officer at the battalion and brigade levels.
Popiak’s military education includes graduation from the Air War College in 2019 and the National Security Agency’s Junior Officer Cryptologic Career Program with assignments at NSA Washington and NSA Georgia. He has earned a master’s degree in Information Technology from Webster University.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (with three oak leaf clusters), Meritorious Service Medal (with two oak leaf clusters), Army Commendation Medal (with two oak leaf clusters), Army Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (two awards), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, NATO Medal, Multinational Force of Observers Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Combat Action Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Polish Parachutist Badge, German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (Gold) and Ranger Tab.
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