JUSTIN M. BIRCH
Paxton
Summary
Global-minded and strategic senior leader with 23 years of distinguished United States Navy service. Served with exceptional performance in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Naval Special Warfare components of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), supporting critical global initiatives to advance United States policies and strategic objectives. Demonstrated excellence in high-stakes operations from E5-E6 junior leadership through E7-E8 senior operations leadership, achieving consistent "Promotable" ratings and recognition for outstanding performance. Strong oral and written communication skills with proven ability to lead diverse, multinational teams. Currently pursuing Master's in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. RBLP-T certified. Maintains active TS/SCI Security Clearance.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Commanding Officer / Senior Operations Leader (E8-E9)
NSW ATC / Naval Survival Training Institute
NAS Pensacola
05.2018 - 09.2023
- Commanded complex aviation training operations for Naval Special Warfare personnel, ensuring mission readiness during specialized phases.
- Achieved performance rating of 4.27/5.0 with consistent 'Promotable' status, demonstrating exceptional leadership under pressure.
- Received 2021 Retention Excellence Award for effective talent management and personnel development.
- Directed comprehensive aeronautical and technical training programs, meeting Navy Education and Training Command standards.
- Mentored junior officers using organizational psychology principles, fostering professional growth through targeted coaching.
- Managed multi-million dollar training operations, optimizing resource utilization while upholding highest safety standards.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operations Leader (E7-E8)
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Five (EODMU5) / Naval Special Warfare Unit One (NSWU1)
05.2010 - 05.2018
- Led explosive ordnance disposal operations in high-threat environments with zero safety incidents.
- Supervised multinational EOD teams, improving technical proficiency and fostering international collaboration.
- Developed innovative risk mitigation strategies, enhancing operational efficiency by 35% while ensuring safety standards.
- Collaborated with allied forces to support U.S. strategic objectives in volatile regions through cultural engagement.
- Managed EOD systems valued at over $2M, maintaining optimal readiness and cost-effective maintenance.
- Provided technical consultation on explosive threats to senior military leadership, aiding strategic decisions.
- Conducted performance evaluations and developed programs to enhance team effectiveness and career growth.
Technical Operations Specialist / Team Leader (E5-E6)
EOD TEU TWO / EODMU5
Santa Rita
05.2005 - 05.2010
- Achieved promotion from E5 to E6 as top performer in annual evaluations.
- Led diverse teams of 15-25 personnel in complex technical operations, ensuring high performance standards.
- Applied motivational psychology to enhance team cohesion and mission effectiveness.
- Developed training protocols and standard operating procedures to improve efficiency and safety compliance.
- Conducted performance assessments and mentored junior personnel for organizational effectiveness.
- Maintained sophisticated explosive ordnance disposal equipment, achieving 100% operational readiness.
- Demonstrated adaptability and problem-solving skills across various geographic locations and operational contexts.
Basic Military Operations / Technical Specialist (E1-E4)
U.S. Navy EOD Training Commands / Fleet EOD Units
05.2001 - 05.2005
- Completed intensive basic military training and specialized explosive ordnance disposal school, showcasing exceptional learning ability.
- Rapidly advanced through enlisted ranks from E-1 to E-4, earning promotions for superior performance.
- Performed maintenance and operational support for explosive ordnance disposal equipment, ensuring mission readiness.
- Assisted senior personnel in technical operations, developing skills in teamwork and safety protocols.
- Mentored new personnel, demonstrating leadership qualities in challenging operational environments.
- Completed professional military education and technical training, ensuring commitment to continuous learning.
- Maintained physical fitness standards while participating in unit cohesion activities to enhance team effectiveness.
Fitness Leader / Wellness Program Coordinator
01.2009 - 01.2023
- Designed comprehensive wellness programs utilizing motivational psychology for over 300 personnel, achieving 90% participation rates.
- Enhanced individual and team physical readiness standards through application of performance psychology principles, resulting in superior unit fitness scores.
- Conducted evaluations and assessments to measure program effectiveness and guide continuous improvement efforts.
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Victim Advocate
01.2008 - 01.2023
- Delivered trauma-informed crisis intervention services to domestic violence and sexual assault survivors across EOD and NSW communities while upholding confidentiality protocols.
- Conducted organizational climate assessments to identify risk factors, implementing systemic changes that decreased workplace harassment incidents by 75%.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, including mental health professionals, legal advocates, and leadership, to ensure comprehensive support for victims.
Drug and Alcohol Program Advisor (DAPA)
01.2005 - 01.2023
- Conducted comprehensive behavioral assessments and risk evaluations for substance abuse prevention across multiple EOD and NSW commands.
- Developed intervention strategies, achieving 70% reduction in substance-related incidents through targeted behavioral modification programs.
- Provided crisis counseling and support services to personnel using motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral techniques.
Education
Master of Science - Industrial-Organizational Psychology
University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ05.2026
Bachelor of Science - Applied Psychology, Media and Technology
University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ09-2025
Associate of Arts - General Studies
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ04-2016
Skills
- Individualization and adaptability
- Leadership development and coaching
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Talent management and cultural engagement
- Risk management and mitigation
- Change management strategies
- Cross-functional collaboration
- International affairs and resolution
Websites
Military Service Summary
United States Navy, 23 Years, 05/01/01, 09/30/23, Honorable Discharge with consistent 'Promotable' performance evaluations throughout entire career. Advanced through all enlisted ranks E-1 through E-9 based on superior performance and leadership excellence. Specialized service in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Naval Special Warfare (NSW) commands. Commands served: NSW ATC, NSWU1, EODMU5, EOD TEU 2, and various fleet EOD units. Served in multiple high-responsibility advisory and leadership positions simultaneously across 23-year career.
Security Clearance And Certifications
- Active TS/SCI Security Clearance
- RBLP-T (Results-Based Leadership Program - Trainer) Certified
- Drug and Alcohol Program Advisor (DAPA) Certified
- Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Victim Advocate Certified
- Fitness Leader and Wellness Program Coordinator Certified
Awards
- Retention Excellence Award (2021) – Recognized for outstanding leadership in personnel development and organizational effectiveness.
- Consistently rated 'Promotable' with superior performance evaluations throughout 23-year military career.
- Multiple commendations for exceptional performance in high-risk EOD operations and crisis intervention services.
- Recognition for leadership excellence in organizational transformation and change management initiatives.
- Distinguished service awards for contributions to substance abuse prevention and victim advocacy programs.
Specialized Advisory Experience
- Drug and Alcohol Program Advisor (DAPA), 18 Years (2005-2023), Conducted comprehensive behavioral assessments and risk evaluations for substance abuse prevention across multiple EOD and NSW commands, applying evidence-based psychological principles., Developed and implemented intervention strategies that resulted in 70% reduction in substance-related incidents through targeted behavioral modification programs., Provided crisis counseling and support services to personnel struggling with substance abuse, utilizing motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral techniques.
- Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Victim Advocate, 15 Years (2008-2023), Provided trauma-informed crisis intervention and support services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault across EOD and NSW communities, maintaining strict confidentiality protocols., Conducted organizational climate assessments to identify risk factors and implemented systemic changes that reduced workplace harassment incidents by 75%., Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams including mental health professionals, legal advocates, and command leadership to ensure comprehensive victim support.
- Fitness Leader / Wellness Program Coordinator, 14 Years (2009-2023), Applied motivational psychology and behavior change theories to design comprehensive wellness programs serving 300+ personnel across EOD and NSW commands with 90% participation rates., Utilized performance psychology principles to enhance individual and team physical readiness standards, achieving superior unit fitness scores., Conducted program evaluations and outcome assessments to measure effectiveness and guide continuous improvement in wellness initiatives.
Gallup Strengths
- Individualization
- Activator
- Arranger
- Competition
- Adaptability
Certification
- George Stone College, Florida Law Enforcement Academy - Diploma
- United States Naval Academy, Senior Enlisted Academy - Diploma
- Certified Anti-Terrorism Specialist, Counter Terrorism - Board Certified
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Commanding Officer / Senior Operations Leader (E8-E9)
NSW ATC / Naval Survival Training Institute
05.2018 - 09.2023
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operations Leader (E7-E8)
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Five (EODMU5) / Naval Special Warfare Unit One (NSWU1)
05.2010 - 05.2018
Fitness Leader / Wellness Program Coordinator
01.2009 - 01.2023
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Victim Advocate
01.2008 - 01.2023
Technical Operations Specialist / Team Leader (E5-E6)
EOD TEU TWO / EODMU5
05.2005 - 05.2010
Drug and Alcohol Program Advisor (DAPA)
01.2005 - 01.2023
Basic Military Operations / Technical Specialist (E1-E4)
U.S. Navy EOD Training Commands / Fleet EOD Units
05.2001 - 05.2005
Master of Science - Industrial-Organizational Psychology
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Science - Applied Psychology, Media and Technology
University of Phoenix
Associate of Arts - General Studies
University of Phoenix
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