Assistant Professor of Military Science

CPT Riley Rice
[email protected]
320-363-2712

Captain Riley J. Rice is a native of South Haven, Minnesota. In May of 2013, he graduated from Montana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Earth Science with an emphasis in Physical Geography and Geographic Information Systems. Following graduation, he commissioned into the United States Army Quartermaster Corps through ROTC. Upon completion of the Quartermaster Officer basic Course in Fort Lee, Virginia, CPT Rice was assigned to Bravo Company, 296th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Infantry Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division in Fort Lewis, WA as a Wheeled Vehicle Platoon Leader. He led the Platoon through two National Training Center rotations, and a multitude of training exercises at Yakima training center (YTC). He was also selected as the Logistics Support Team (LST) officer in charge for 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment.

Following his Platoon Leader time, CPT Rice was selected as a Forward Support Company Executive Officer for 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne). During his tenure he deployed to South Korea in support of Key Resolve/Foal Eagle and performed as a member of the Support Center and as a Battle Captain. During his time with 3-1SFG(A) he also attended and completed Airborne School, the USASOC Static Line Jumpmaster course, and obtained his Special Operation Support Identifier (K9).

CPT Rice deployed to Kuwait with 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) in December 2016 as the Maintenance Operations Officer and managed maintenance readiness across five countries in the Combined Joint Operations Area (CJOA). He managed all Operational Deficiency Reports working in coordination with the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Iraq and Syria (CJSOTF-I & S) and was hand-picked to deploy into Iraq as a logistics advisor in support of Combined Joint Task Force – Iraq (CJTF-I) Special Operations Training Cell (SOTC). In Iraq, he advised Iraq Special Operations Forces (ISOF) Logistics personnel on the management of a multi-class supply warehouse which was instrumental in order to support Counter-Terrorism Service as they prepared for offensive operations thought the CJOA to include the Liberation of Mosul.

Following his time with 3-1SFG(A), CPT Rice was appointed as the 1st Group Support Battalion S4 (Logistics Officer). He was responsible for the management of the Battalions annual operating budget, property accountability procedures, and Battalion Command Supply Discipline program. He managed all Financial Liability Investigations of Property Loss (FLIPL) and coordinated with Group S4 on all matters concerning maintenance, supply, and transportation.

After completion of the Logistics Captain’s Career Course in Fort Lee, Virginia in 2018, CPT Rice was assigned to 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado as the Distribution Integration Branch Support Operations Officer. CPT Rice was then selected to serve in Operation Faithful Patriot in support of DOD Support to Customs and Border Patrol mission. He performed duties as the sustainment headquarters Battle Captain for 4SB, responsible for coordinating current operations across the Joint Operations Area (JOA) with Army North (ARNORTH), Marines Combat Logistics Regiment 17, and two USAR Combat Sustainment Support Battalions (CSSBs).

CPT Rice’s next assignment was serving as the Commander of India Forward Support Company, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado from December 2019 to March 2021. During his time in command CPT Rice successfully led his company through two convoy live fire exercises, four battalion level training exercises, three Brigade training exercises, and one Combat Training Center rotation to the National Training Center. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Military Science for Saint John’s University, College of Saint Benedict, and Saint Cloud State University in Minnesota and is the primary instructor for all sophomores and military history courses.

His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal (1 OLC), Army Achievement Medal, Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, Airborne Badge, German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency in Gold, Canadian Jump Wings, Korean Jump Wings, Taiwanese Jump Wings, and Philippine Jump Wings. He has also been awarded the Distinguished Order of Saint Martin, Distinguished Order of Saint Maurice, and Distinguished Member of the 38^TH Infantry Regiment.

CPT Rice currently lives in Kimball, Minnesota. During his time away from instructing, CPT Rice enjoys spending time, coaching alpine ski racing, mountain biking, lake life, traveling, and taking care of his dog Ozskar, and two pigmy goats. He is excited to bring his 10 years of military experience back to his home state of Minnesota and the Fighting Saints Battalion.