COL Robert J. Newbauer assumed command of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District on July 26, 2023, and served most recently as a Military Assistant to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe/Commander, U.S. European Command in Mons, Belgium.
COL Newbauer received his commission in the U.S. Army in May 2000. A native of Allegan, MI, he graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a Bachelor’s Degree
in Civil Engineering. After completing the Engineer Officer Basic Course, COL Newbauer’s first assignment was to the U.S. Army Dive Company at Fort Eustis, VA where he served as a Dive Platoon Leader and Company Executive Officer from 2001-2004.
Prior to his assignment in Belgium, COL Newbauer graduated from the George C. Marshall Center for European Security Studies in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. Before that, he commanded the 40th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division at Fort Bliss, TX.
Additionally, COL Newbauer’s past assignments include Deputy District Commander, Louisville District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, from 2016-2018. COL Newbauer also served as an Observer, Controller, Trainer at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany. He has deployed numerous times to Iraq and Afghanistan. Additionally, COL Newbauer has extensive time on the European Continent working and training alongside Allies and Partners.
His military education includes the U.S. Army Engineer Officer Advanced and Basic Courses, and the Basic and Salvage Diving Officer Course, and the Joint Forces Staff College in Norfolk, VA. COL Newbauer holds a Master’s Degree in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA, a Master’s Degree in Geological Engineering from the Missouri University of Science and Technology, and a Master’s Degree in Operational Art and Science from the Air Command and Staff College from Air University, Maxwell AFB, AL. He is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Alabama.
COL Newbauer’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO medal, Sapper Tab, Airborne Badge, the Air Assault Badge, and the Diving Officer Badge.