Title: Command Inspector General
Company: U.S. Army Futures Command
Location: Leander, Texas, United States
Retired Col. David S. Thompson, Command Inspector General at U.S. Army Futures Command, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Military for dedication, achievements and leadership in the military and defense industry.
Col. Thompson has dedicated over 40 years to a distinguished career in the military and as a Department of the Army civilian. His journey began with inspiration from his father, who served as an artilleryman in the U.S. Army for two decades, including three tours of duty in Vietnam. Following in his father’s footsteps, Col. Thompson embarked on a path that would see him rise to the rank of colonel before retiring from active duty in 2010. He then transitioned to a civilian role, where he continues to serve his country.
Since 2019, Col. Thompson has served as the command inspector general for the U.S. Army Futures Command in Austin, Texas, which collaborates with industry and academia to develop weapon systems, vehicles and other technologies to be implemented between 2025 and 2040. His commitment to excellence is evident through his focus on improving organizational effectiveness and efficiency within the command.
Garnering an extensive military service that included 30 years of active duty, Col. Thompson completed 10 overseas tours. Notably, he was among the first of just over 30 individuals sent to Bosnia and spent two years in Saudi Arabia. His leadership roles included serving as a battalion commander in Korea and completing four tours in Germany. As a civilian, Col. Thompson directed an organization in Afghanistan and completed another tour in Germany before returning to the U.S. He spent over 25 of his 30 years on active duty overseas.
In his current role with the U.S. Army Futures Command, Col. Thompson is the only civilian command inspector general at a central U.S. Army command. He evaluates organizations to ensure compliance with policies and procedures, while helping them become more effective entities. Col. Thompson’s responsibilities include conducting administrative investigations, providing guidance to those uncertain of where to turn, and offering teaching and training opportunities.
Col. Thompson’s educational background has been instrumental in his success. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas, in 1980. He also completed coursework at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, from 1990 to 1991. Furthermore, Col. Thompson acquired a Master of Science in national security and strategy studies from the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in 2005.
Actively involved with several civic organizations, Col. Thompson holds membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the U.S. Army Association, and the Kansas University Alumni Association. These affiliations reflect his ongoing commitment to supporting fellow veterans and maintaining strong connections within the military community.
Throughout his career, Col. Thompson has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including being named Inspector General of the Year by the Department of the Army Civilian in 2022, induction into the ROTC Wall of Fame at Kansas University in 2023, and receiving the Superior Civilian Service Medal from the U.S. Army in 2025. Moreover, he received several prestigious military decorations, including the Superior Defense Medal, the Bronze Star, and the Legion of Merit. With plans to retire in 2025, Col. Thompson looks forward to traveling more extensively while reflecting on a remarkable career dedicated to service and leadership.
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