Colonel Chris Nyland is from Seattle, Washington. He graduated from the University of Washington and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Infantry in 1997.

Since then, Colonel Nyland has served around the world including Bosnia, Afghanistan and Iraq.

Colonel Nyland’s most recent operational assignment was a three year tour in the Republic of Korea where he commanded the United Nations Command Security Battalion – Joint Security Area. Following command, he served as the Deputy Commander of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division and 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division during their rotations to Korea.

Following his return from Korea, Colonel Nyland completed a Master of Science degree in National Resource Strategy with a concentration in Supply Chain Management from the Eisenhower School, National Defense University. His research was focused around China, Artificial Intelligence and Human-Machine Teaming, and sustainment in contested environments.

Prior to becoming the Fort Meade Garrison Commander, Colonel Nyland served as the Military Deputy to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs at the Pentagon.

Colonel Nyland is a graduate of the US Army Ranger School, Airborne School, Air Assault School, Military Freefall School, Military Freefall Jumpmaster School, Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leaders Course, the Infantry Mortar Leaders Course, and the 82nd Airborne Division Jumpmaster Course.

Colonel Nyland is married to the former Ms. Christy Hill of New Orleans, Louisiana. Colonel Christy Nyland is also a commander at Fort Meade. They have been married for 19 years.