Professor of Military Science for the Monarch Battalion
Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Dan O’Donnell is the Professor of Military Science for the Monarch Battalion. He is a native of Fairfax, VA. He has served as an AH-64 Apache Aviator for over 20 years, amassing over 1,900 flight hours.
LTC O’Donnell’s civilian education includes a Bachelor’s of English from Villanova University. Additionally, he earned a Master’s in Defense and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College in Newport, RI. His military education includes graduating from AH-64 Flight School, the Air Cavalry Leader’s Course, Joint Firepower Course, Maritime Advanced Warfighting School, Air Assault School, and the Army Basic Instructor Course.
LTC O’Donnell has served as an instructor four times for a total of six years. He taught the Aviation Basic Officer Leader Course (BOLC), the Aviation Captains Career Course (AVCCC), and the Joint Firepower Course (JFC). He will now serve as the primary instructor of Senior Army ROTC Cadets.
LTC O’Donnell’s operational assignments include aviation units in Fort Riley, KS; Fort Campbell, KY; Nellis Air Force Base, NV; and Fort Bliss, TX. Over his career, LTC O’Donnell commanded five units and most recently served as the Squadron Commander for 3rd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment. He deployed to combat three times, twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan.
Some of LTC O’Donnell’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Air and Space Commendation Medal, Senior Aviator Badge, Combat Action Badge, and Air Assault Badge.
Join the Army ROTC
No matter where you're coming from, or where you'd like to go, joining the ODU Army ROTC Monarch Battalion can be part of your journey. Click below to learn how to join.