COL Jim Wiese received his commission from Clemson University in 2002. After graduating from the Infantry Officer Basic Course and Ranger School, he deployed with the 101st Airborne Division for the 2003 launch of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After serving as a platoon leader and company executive officer, Jim attended the Captain’s Career Course and then served as a senior trainer at the Infantry Officer Basic Course. In 2008, he took command of an airborne company in Alaska with the 25th Infantry Division where he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Following company command, Jim attended selection and training for the special operations community where he served from 2010 – 2023 in various command and staff positions. In these capacities, Jim deployed across the Middle East, Afghanistan, and Europe. For the Senior Service College, Jim attended Stanford University’s Hoover Institution as a National Security Affairs Fellow. He has also earned a master’s degree in strategic security studies from the Joint Special Operations Master of Arts Program under the National Defense University and a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from Clemson University. He is a graduate of the Command and General Staff College and Joint Combined Warfighting School.
Jim’s awards and decorations include: the Legion of Merit; Bronze Star Medal with Valor; Bronze Star Medal with 3 OLC; Purple Heart; Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Presidential Unit Citation with 2 OLC; Joint Meritorious Unit Award; Meritorious Unit Commendation with 1 OLC; Army Superior Unit Award; Parachutist Badge; Air Assault Badge; Pathfinder Badge; Military Freefall Parachutist Badge; Combat and Expert Infantryman Badges; Ranger Tab; and various other awards.
Jim is married and enjoys scuba diving, photography, and outdoor activities.