First Sergeant Benjamin J. Thorstad assumed his duties as the First Sergeant for the Noncommissioned Officer Academy Fort Dix, New Jersey on July 13, 2020. In his previous position, he was assigned as the Facilitator for the Battle Staff Noncommissioned Officer Course, Fort McCoy, Wisconsin.
First Sergeant Thorstad enlisted in the Army Reserves on September 15, 2003 from Rochester, Minnesota and completed his Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He has served in a variety of positions in the Active Guard and Reserve program since December 2006. He served as the Human Resources NCO for the 79th Military Police Company (CS), Rochester, Minnesota, 477th Medical Company (GA), Duluth, Minnesota, 494th Brigade Support Battalion, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, and 654th Regional Support Group, Tacoma, Washington. He served in several positions at the Human Resources Command, Fort Knox, Kentucky to include: Staff Action Control Officer, HHC Human Resources NCO, Protocol Officer and Career Manager. He also served as the Plans NCO for the 86th Training Division, Fort McCoy, Wisconsin.
First Sergeant Thorstad’s significant military education includes Warrior Leaders Course, Advanced Leaders Course, Senior Leaders Course, Military Police Course, Unit Administrator Basic Course, Unit Pay Administrator Course, Battle Staff Noncommissioned Officer Course, Common Faculty Development-Instructor Course, Commander/First Sergeant Course, and Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education. First Sergeant Thorstad earned his Bachelors of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia Southern University and earned his Masters of Business Administration Degree in Human Resource Management from Columbia Southern University.
His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (1-OLC), Army Commendation Medal (6-OLC), Army Achievement Medal (4-OLC), Good Conduct Medal (4th Award), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (1-SS), National Defense Service Medal, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (w/Hour Glass and M-Device), Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (w/Numeral 3), Army Service Ribbon, Army Reserves Components Overseas Training Ribbon, Superior Unit Award, Driver Badge-W (for Wheeled Vehicles), Senior Army Instructor Badge, and the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge.
First Sergeant Thorstad and his wife have three sons.