MAJ Joe Buck

Assistant Professor of Military Science
US Army Reserve Officer

Major Joseph Buck graduated from Western Illinois University with a degree in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration in 2004. He commissioned into the Engineer branch and attended the Engineer Officer Basic Course.

After completion of the EOBC, MAJ Buck served as Combat Engineer Platoon Leader in the 307th Engineer Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division. In 2006, while attached to 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as part of a Joint Special Operations Command Task Force. In 2007 he deployed again while serving as Engineer Company Executive Officer during President Bush’s “Surge” of troops into Baghdad. In 2008, MAJ Buck ended his active duty career and moved to Hawaii where he served as assistant S2/S3 in the US Forces Korea – Support Unit in the US Army Reserves. While in Hawaii, he volunteered for two Active Duty Operational Support Tours as Regional Plans Officer for the US Pacific Command’s Counter Narcotics Unit – Joint Interagency Task Force West. After moving to Tucson, AZ, MAJ Buck served as Assistant Battalion S3 then C Company Commander to 1-415th REGT from 2014-2016 in Marana, AZ. MAJ Buck is currently serving as an Assistant Professor of Military Science at the University of Arizona.

MAJ Buck’s military education includes US Army Airborne School, Sapper School, Ranger School, Engineer Officer Basic Course, and the Reserve Engineer Captain’s Career Course.

MAJ Buck’s military awards include the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (w/ three oak leaf clusters), the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab, Combat Action Badge, and Parachute Wings of the Irish Defense Forces.

MAJ Buck currently lives in Vail, AZ with his dual military spouse MAJ Stephanie Buck and their three children Riley, Rowan, and Theodore. He works full time as a Police Officer and SWAT Operator for the Tucson Police Department.