Brigadier General Nathaniel Carper
New Mexico Deputy Adjutant General
Brigadier General (BG) Nate Carper is currently serving as the Deputy Adjutant General, advising the Adjutant General in all aspects of daily operational activities for the New Mexico Army National Guard. BG Carper was born in Charleston, WV to his parents Susan and Tommy Carper.
His civilian education includes a High School diploma from Calhoon County HS in Grantsville, WV, an Associates Degree from New Mexico Military Institute, a Bachelor's Degree from New Mexico State University, and a Master's Degree in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle Barracks, PA. BG Carper has served with the New Mexico Army National Guard since 1997, serving in roles from Avenger Platoon Leader, Avenger Battery Executive Officer, and Avenger Battery Commander from January 2003 to January 2006.
He was the last Air Defense Commander for the State of New Mexico, serving as the National Capitol Region – Integrated Air Defense (NCR-IADS) Commander for Operation Clear Skies in Washington DC. Additionally, he commanded Charlie Company, 1st Bn 515th RTI (WTC) from February 2006 to September 2006, where he was then given more responsibility as the Commander of Troops/Battalion Executive Officer for the Warrior Transition Course until January 2008. BG Carper was deployed with the 111th MEB to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba where he served as the Detention Operations Center Officer in Charge for the strategic level detention center until Jan 2009. BG Carper returned to the 1-200th IN Battalion as the Executive Officer to prepare the unit for deployment to Kosovo. In Jan 2011, BG Carper deployed to Kosovo as the Brigade S3 for Multi-National Battle Group East. In August of 2014, BG Carper served at the 111th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB) as the Brigade S3/Administrative Officer in Rio Rancho, NM. From December 2016 to June of 2018, BG Carper commanded the Recruiting and Retention Battalion until his departure to the Senior Service College. Following his graduation from the Army War College, BG Carper served as the G5 / Strategic Planner for the NMARNG. BG Carper commanded the 111th Sustainment Brigade and the Joint Task Force during NMNG's COVID 19 Response. He last served as the NMARNG Chief of Staff.
BG Carper has graduated from a number of military schools throughout his career. He has completed the Harvard Leadership in Homeland Security, the U.S. Army War College Senior Service College and Joint Professional Military Education Level II, the Command and General Staff Officer's Course, Advance Operations Course, the Combined Arms Service Staff School, the Infantry Captains Career Course, the Air Defense Artillery Officers Advance Course, the Brigade, Battalion, and Company Level Pre-Command Courses, the Air Defense Artillery Officers Basic Course, and the U.S. Army Air Assault Course.
BG Carper has been awarded the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (1 Silver Oak Leaf), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2 Oak Leafs), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal (2 Oak Leafs), Overseas Service Ribbon (Second Award), Kosovo Campaign Medal w/ Bronze Service Star, NATO Medal, Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Ribbon w/ Bronze Service Star, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M Device and Bronze Hourglass, Air Assault Badge, German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge Gold, and German Army Marksmanship Badge Gold.
BG Carper is currently married to the former Colleen Casey, Las Cruces, NM. They have two sons, Thomas and Maxwell. They reside in Corrales.