Professor of Military Science
LTC Erich Steffens graduated in June 2006 from Ohio University, where he earned a bachelor of science in chemistry and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. His first duty assignment was with 4th Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, where he served as a platoon leader and company executive officer from 2007 to 2009 while deployed to Iraq in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom. Following the Captain's Career Course, he attended the ARSOF Civil Affairs Qualification Course. Upon graduation, he was assigned to the 96th Civil Affairs Battalion (Special Operations) (Airborne) from 2011 to 2015, where he served as a Civil Affairs team leader and operations officer. As a team leader, he deployed in support of Operations Enduring Freedom to both Afghanistan and Tajikistan. As an operations officer, LTC Steffens supported deployed forces from Special Operations Command - Central (SOCCENT) Headquarters in Tampa, Florida. Following his time at the 96th Civil Affairs Battalion, LTC Steffens served as the Civil Affairs officer (S9) for 1st Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division (Global Response Force - GRF).
In 2016, LTC Steffens attended the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterrey, California, where he earned his master of science in irregular warfare and completed his intermediate level education through the Naval Command and Staff College. In 2017, LTC Steffens served as the deputy director for Host Nation Affairs for the Area Support Group in Kuwait. After returning from Kuwait, LTC Steffens took command of F Company, 97th Civil Affairs Battalion (SO) (A) from April 2019 to December 2020, during which he deployed his company to Syria in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Following command, LTC Steffens served as the executive officer for the 97th Civil Affairs Battalion until April 2022. In June 2022, LTC Steffens became the professor of military science for the Warrior Battalion at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
LTC Steffens' awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (1 OLC), Meritorious Service Medal (3 OLC), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (3 OLC), Army Achievement Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal (1 Campaign Star), Afghanistan Campaign Medal (2 Campaign Stars), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal, NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge, and Parachutist Badge.
LTC Steffens is married to the former Rebecca McCarthy. They share five children: Rolland (age 14), Arabella (age 12), Daniel (age 11), Eliza (age 9), and Gideon (age 7).