Colonel Randolph "Rand" Binford is Deputy Commander, Special Operations Command, Pacific, Camp Smith, HI.
COL Rand Binford graduated from Sam Houston State University with a degree in Sociology, and was thereafter commissioned as a Regular Army 2nd Lieutenant of Infantry. Infantry Officer assignments in the 7th Infantry Division (Light) include Scout, Rifle and Support Platoon Leader, and Battalion Logistics and Support Officer.
Special Forces assignments include commands with the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Ft Campbell, KY, and the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Ft. Bragg, NC, and the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), Ft Lewis, WA.
COL Binford has commanded Special Forces units twice at the SF Team level, twice at the SF Company level, and as the Commander of the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Abn), 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), at Fort Lewis, WA, and COL Binford's most recent service was as the Commander, Joint Special Operations Task Force - 508.
COL Binford's staff assignments include Special Forces Battalion and Group Operations Officer positions; Army Special Operations Directorate; and with the Joint Staff J8's Force Application Assessment Division. COL Binford's previous assignment prior to assumption of command was as the Director of Special Activities and Special Operations for the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence.
COL Binford is a graduate of the USN War College (CGSC) and the USMC War College (SSC), and holds Master's degrees in National Security Studies and Defense Security Studies.
COL Binford's awards include the Legion of Merit w/Oak Leaf, two Bronze Stars (one with "V" device for Valor), DSM, MSMs, the Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom campaign medals; the Combat Infantryman's Badge with Star signifying second award; the EIB; Special Forces Tab; Ranger Tab; Master Parachutist Badge; Military Freefall Badge; and Air Assault Badge.