Austin Barnaba
Aurora
Summary
Driven leader and U.S. Army veteran with over three years of experience supervising and mentoring teams of 10+ personnel in high-pressure environments. Proven track record as a Squad Leader and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Operator, with two successful deployments supporting mission-critical operations. Skilled in team leadership, operational planning, risk management, and advanced technical systems. Recognized for maintaining accountability, improving team performance, and executing complex tasks with precision and discipline. Adept at adapting to dynamic situations while ensuring mission success and personnel readiness.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
2021
2021
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Squad Leader
Army
Clarksville
03.2023 - 01.2027
- Led a team in executing tactical missions and achieving operational objectives.
- Coordinated training sessions to enhance team skills and readiness levels.
- Managed equipment inventory and ensured proper maintenance protocols were followed.
- Developed operational plans to optimize resource allocation during exercises.
- Conducted performance evaluations to assess soldier competencies and development needs.
- Facilitated communication between squad members and higher command for mission clarity.
- Implemented safety procedures to maintain a secure working environment for the squad.
- Mentored junior soldiers on leadership principles and effective teamwork practices.
- Used active listening and effective communication to alleviate issues between personnel members.
- Coordinated with other squads to ensure mission objectives were met.
- Oversaw daily command of squad, demonstrating strong moral character, intellect, and respect.
- Provided guidance to subordinate personnel on tactical operations and training.
- Conducted risk assessments for all proposed missions or exercises.
- Supervised maintenance of weapons, equipment, and vehicles.
- Assessed performance of individual soldiers within the squad.
- Maintained communication with higher headquarters throughout mission duration.
- Managed logistics requirements for assigned area of responsibility.
- Maintained accountability of personnel, equipment, and supplies during deployments.
- Inspected soldier's equipment before departure from forward operating base.
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations during all field exercises.
- Led squad in reconnaissance and surveillance operations.
- Advised commander on tactical situations encountered during missions.
- Trained squad members in the use of small arms, crew served weapons, and demolitions.
- Reviewed after action reports following completion of each mission or exercise.
- Evaluated unit readiness based on established criteria and standards.
UAS Operator
Army
Clarksville
01.2020 - 01.2027
- Operated unmanned aerial systems for reconnaissance and surveillance missions.
- Conducted pre-flight checks to ensure equipment readiness and safety compliance.
- Analyzed flight data to support mission planning and tactical decisions.
- Trained junior operators on UAS protocols and safety procedures.
- Maintained detailed logs of flight operations for record-keeping and analysis.
- Assisted in developing standard operating procedures for UAS operations.
- Monitored drone systems during flights to maintain operational efficiency.
- Collaborated with ground teams to coordinate air support during operations.
- Ensured compliance with applicable safety regulations, policies, and procedures while operating UAS systems.
- Assisted in the development of new technologies or techniques for enhancing current mission capabilities.
- Conducted routine maintenance and repairs of UAS components and equipment.
- Conducted training to improve troops' abilities.
- Developed flight plans, established communication protocols, and monitored aircraft performance during operations.
- Collaborated with other team members to ensure successful completion of missions within specified timelines.
- Reviewed mission tasking, intelligence and weather information.
- Targeted, fired and maintained weapons used to destroy enemy positions.
- Managed personnel and weapons operations to destroy enemy positions, aircraft and vessels.
- Secured and protected air, land and sea positions from enemy attack.
- Loaded, equipped and manned aircraft for mission.
- Planned and conducted tactical and assault support missions.
- Monitored weather conditions prior to launch in order to determine suitability for safe operations.
- Maintained detailed records of all flights, including flight logs, mission reports, and maintenance records.
- Trained personnel on proper operation of UAS systems and related software applications.
- Responded to emergency situations by deploying appropriate UAS assets as needed.
- Performed pre-flight checks and post-flight inspections on UAS systems.
- Integrated payloads such as cameras, sensors or other instruments onto unmanned aircraft platforms.
Team Leader
Army
Clarksville
01.2021 - 03.2023
- Led diverse teams in high-pressure environments to achieve mission objectives.
- Coordinated training programs to enhance soldier skills and readiness.
- Oversaw daily operations ensuring adherence to safety protocols and regulations.
- Mentored junior soldiers, fostering teamwork and professional development.
- Facilitated communication between units to streamline mission execution.
- Maintained a positive work environment that promoted collaboration between team members.
- Delegated daily tasks to team members to optimize group productivity.
- Motivated and empowered team members to build customer satisfaction and loyalty to support retention and growth.
- Participated in regular meetings with senior leadership to provide updates on team progress.
- Monitored daily workflow to ensure adherence to established policies and procedures.
- Established clear expectations for employees, providing guidance when needed.
- Promoted to leadership position in recognition of strong work ethic and provided exceptional customer service.
- Developed strategies for problem solving and conflict resolution among team members.
Cook
Flapjacks Family Restaurant
Port Orange
04.2014 - 12.2019
- Prepared diverse menu items using fresh ingredients daily.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure efficient meal service.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of cooking stations.
- Assisted in training new cooks on kitchen procedures.
- Followed food safety guidelines to ensure high-quality meals.
- Monitored inventory levels and reported shortages to management.
- Adapted recipes to accommodate special dietary needs of customers.
- Communicated effectively with servers for timely order delivery.
- Cleaned kitchen equipment, surfaces, utensils and dishes.
- Maintained a clean working environment by sweeping, mopping floors, washing surfaces and emptying trash cans.
- Operated grills, fryers and broilers to cook items to quality guidelines.
- Prepared dishes in fast-paced environment working with teammates to maintain high customer satisfaction rate.
- Operated ovens, fryers and mixers safely to prevent kitchen accidents and machinery malfunction.
- Wrapped, dated and labeled food items in storage for safety and freshness.
- Followed established procedures and requirements for safe food handling, storage and service.
- Chopped, diced and sliced vegetables and fruit ahead of rush periods.
- Organized storage areas for efficient usage of space.
- Enforced proper sanitation practices to prevent spoiling or contamination of foods.
- Set up and performed initial prep work for soups, sauces, and salads.
Education
Associate of Arts - Business
Southern New Hampshire University
Hooksett, NH 08.2023 - 12.2026
Spruce Creek High School
Port Orange, FloridaSkills
- Team leadership
- Project management
- Communication skills
- Military operations
- Equipment maintenance
- Flight operations
- Safety compliance
- Training development
- Problem solving
- Coaching and mentoring
- Squad training
- Equipment oversight
- Repair work orders
- Motivational leadership
- Task prioritization
- Vehicle supervision
- Issue resolution
- Weapons inspection
- Task delegation
- Soldier oversight and command
- Verbal and written communication
- Reporting and data gathering
- Tactical operations
- Offensive maneuvers
- Mortar and artillery operations
- Assessing risks
- Personnel mentoring
- Safety guidelines
- Reconnaissance
- Reviewing records
- Troop development
- Defensive positioning
- Troop deployment support
- Military operations planning
- Identifying hazards
- Mine detection
- Managing safety gear
- Troop support
- Survival training
- Conducting risk assessments
- Briefing leadership
- Anti-armor weaponry
- Air assault operations
- Physical fitness
- Squad leadership
- Chemical defense
- Teamwork and loyalty
- Squad movement
- Maintaining equipment
- First aid proficiency
- Equipment management
- Warrior ethos
- Radio communications
- Communications equipment
- Terrain analysis
- Fireteam operation
- Weaponry maintenance
- Wilderness survival
- Vehicle maintenance
- Managing PPE
- Enemy engagement
- Vehicle mobilization
- Field fortification
- Hand-to-hand combat
- Combat operations planning
- Safety protocols
- Drill marching
- Marksmanship expertise
Timeline
Associate of Arts - Business
Southern New Hampshire University
08.2023 - 12.2026
Squad Leader
Army
03.2023 - 01.2027
Team Leader
Army
01.2021 - 03.2023
UAS Operator
Army
01.2020 - 01.2027
Cook
Flapjacks Family Restaurant
04.2014 - 12.2019
Spruce Creek High School