Michael Thomas

Dr. (Lt Col ret) Michael L. Thomas is currently assigned to Joint Base Charleston, Charleston, SC as the Deputy Director National Cyber Range Complex (NCRC) Charleston Node. He was previously assigned to the USAF Cyber College at Maxwell AFB, AL as a Professor of Cyberwarfare Studies. Dr. Thomas has over 35 years in the Federal Government in various assignments in the US and overseas. His prior assignments with the Navy included stints in Stuttgart and Heidelberg offices supporting the US Army in Geospatial Engineering. Other assignments have been on a short tour at the Pentagon, with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) as an LNO to the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), along with an assignment to the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) as an instructor teaching Cyberwar courses.

Born in Pensacola, Florida, in June, 1956, Dr. Thomas earned a Bachelor of Science degree with specialties in Mathematics and Electrical Engineering from the University of the State of New York, a Master of Arts degree in Mathematics (Applied Statistics) from the University of West Florida, a Masters of Science in Military Arts and Sciences from the Air Command and Staff College (ACSC), a Masters in Strategic Studies from the Air War College and lastly finished a Doctorate in Information Systems from the University of Sarasota while stationed at Georgia Tech.  His military education includes completion of the Army Signal Officers Basic Course at Ft. Gordon, Ga, the Basic Communications Officers Course at Keesler AFB, MS, Air Command and Staff College, and Air War College (AWC) at Maxwell AFB where he won the 2008 8th AF Award in Cyberspace Research.  

Lt Col Thomas’ awards and decorations include the NORAD System Support Facility (NSSF) Company Grade Officer of the Year (CGO) of the Year,  First Air Force CGO of the Year, Air National Guard (ANG) Communications and Computer Professionalism Award, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Reserve Meritorious Service Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Air Force (AF) Outstanding Unit Award (with oak leaf cluster), AF Organizational Excellence Award (with Valor device), the Global War on Terrorism Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster. He has also been awarded the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon and while supervising the NGB CDX Technology Team, was recognized for outstanding combat support to Task Force Legion, Combined Joint Special Task Force, Arabian Peninsula, Iraq and Afghanistan.