Title: 1) Colonel (Retired); 2) Staff Judge Advocate (Retired)
Company: 1) U.S. Army; 2) U.S. Army National Guard
Location: Clarksville, Tennessee, United States
Brett P. Rypma, Colonel (Ret.), Esq., MS, Retired Colonel at the U.S. Army and Retired Staff Judge Advocate at the U.S. Army National Guard, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Military for dedication, achievements and leadership in Military and Legal Services.
Col. Rypma’s distinguished career in the U.S. Army and U.S. Army National Guard spans nearly three decades, marked by a steadfast commitment to service and an unwavering dedication to the legal profession. His most notable achievement remains the privilege of serving his country through a series of increasingly responsible roles, culminating in his retirement as staff judge advocate at Joint Force Headquarters, U.S. Army National Guard, in Tennessee in 2019.
As a staff judge advocate for over two decades, between 1997 and 2019, Col. Rypma provided critical legal counsel on military justice, administrative law and operational matters, demonstrating a unique ability to work across organizational strata, from operatives to executives, to gather information, synthesize expertise and realize organizational law-related objectives. During this tenure, he was instrumental in shaping legal policy and providing guidance on a broad spectrum of issues affecting both personnel and operations. Col. Rypma’s skill at conveying complex legal concepts in plain language to audiences with varying levels of sophistication sets him apart in the field.
During his tenure as a staff judge advocate, Col. Rypma also served as the regimental judge advocate for the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Knoxville, Tennessee, from 2014 to 2015. His role included advising commanders on legal matters related to unit readiness and mission success. Col. Rypma’s expertise extended internationally when he was appointed deputy section chief of the police reform section at the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, Combined Security Transition Command, in Afghanistan, and at the 230th ALT (Forward) in Kabul and Forward Operating Base Lightning from 2007 to 2008. In this role, he contributed to critical police reform initiatives during a pivotal period in Afghanistan’s development. Earlier, Col. Rypma served as a command judge advocate for Task Force Camp Able Sentry and the 130th Rear Area Operations Command Corps between 2001 and 2002.
Throughout his career, Col. Rypma has developed recognized expertise in employment law litigation. Following his retirement, he was appointed as a temporary federal appellate judge for a tribal court case in Wisconsin in 2025, further demonstrating his breadth of legal acumen.
From 1995 to 1997, Col. Rypma worked as a trial counsel and legal assistance counsel with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where he prosecuted courts-martial and provided legal support to soldiers and their families. He previously excelled as the chief of the administrative law division and military magistrate with the Second Infantry Division at Camp Red Cloud in Korea between 1994 and 1995 after initially serving as an assistant judge advocate with the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command at Bailey’s Crossroads in Virginia between 1992 and 1993.
Col. Rypma is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Bar Association and the National Guard Association of the United States. These affiliations have provided him with opportunities for continued professional development and engagement with peers across the legal and military communities.
Integral to his professional achievements, Col. Rypma’s undergraduate studies culminated in a Bachelor of Arts in political science and English from Ohio University in 1984. He later acquired a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, conferred in 1990, and a Master of Science in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College in 2009.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Col. Rypma is deeply committed to civic engagement. He serves as a volunteer teacher at his church and donates to organizations such as Operation Stand Down and Disabled American Veterans. As a fellow of the C.S. Lewis Institute in Cincinnati, Col. Rypma has furthered his commitment to personal growth and community service. These activities reflect his dedication to supporting veterans and fostering spiritual development within his community.
Col. Rypma’s exemplary service has been recognized through numerous awards. He was decorated with a Legion of Merit, a Defense Meritorious Service Medal, a Meritorious Service Medal with an Oak Leaf Cluster and a National Defense Service Medal. He attributes his success to the unwavering support of his wife and family as well as his faith.
Guided by his personal motto to never quit, Col. Rypma continues to exemplify resilience, integrity and dedication. These qualities have defined both his career and contributions beyond military service. Looking ahead, Col. Rypma aspires to further his education to teach at the college level or contribute through corporate work or service within underprivileged communities.
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