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Lieutenant Colonel Nathan A. Molica

Deputy Commander

Memphis District
Published July 24, 2019

Lt. Col. Nathan A. Molica became the Memphis District deputy commander on July 8, 2019.  As deputy commander, he is second in command of the District.  The Memphis District supports flood damage reduction, navigation, environmental stewardship, emergency operations, other authorized civil works and work for others along 610 miles of the Mississippi and White Rivers, encompassing a 25,000 square mile area in six states: Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi.  Lt. Col. Molica also manages and supervises the general and administrative staff in support of all District operations.  He plays a critical role in the supervision of the District’s Emergency Management Operations in support of federal, state, and local authorities during federally declared emergencies and other critical times as required. 

Lt. Col. Molica, a Memphis, Tennessee native, was commissioned in 1999 as a second lieutenant in the Infantry through the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York.

His civilian education includes a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental sciences from the United States Military Academy. His military education includes Infantry Officer Basic Course, the United States Marine Corps Expeditionary Warfare School, and the Command and General Staff College.

Lt. Col. Molica’s previous leadership positions include platoon leader and company executive officer in the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment; commander of Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment; commander of Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment; commander of the Ranger Operations Company, Regimental Special Troops Battalion; brigade engineer for the 3rd Brigade Combat Team (Rakkasans), 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault);  battalion operations officer for 21st Engineer Battalion; deputy commander of the Charleston District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; and deputy commander for 36th Engineer Brigade.  His most recent assignment was battalion commander for 3-393rd Engineer Battalion, 120th Infantry Brigade, Division West, First Army.  Lt. Col. Molica deployed in support of both Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom numerous times during his career.    

Lt. Col. Molica’s military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Combat Action Infantryman’s Badge, the Expert Infantryman’s Badge, the Ranger Tab, the Basic Parachutist Badge, Jumpmaster qualification, the Air Assault Badge, and the Bronze Order of the de Fleury Medal.