25th ID Deputy Commanding Officer-Support

By Master Sgt. Jason Stadel (25th ID)May 7, 2018

Col. Andrew D. Preston
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

COL Andy Preston, a native of Edmond Oklahoma, was commissioned as a Field Artillery Officer through Officer Candidate School in 1992, after enlisting as an 11B in 1990. He began his commissioned career as a Company Fire Support Officer in 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, Battery Fire Direction Officer and Executive Officer in 1st Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, followed by Aide de Camp to the XVIII Airborne Corps Artillery Commanding General. After his time at Fort Bragg, he was assigned to the 214th Field Artillery Brigade as Assistant Brigade S3 before commanding both C Battery, 2nd Battalion 4th Field Artillery and Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 214th Field Artillery Brigade.

After departing Fort Sill, COL Preston served as a Harvard / DCSOPS Fellow first in Cambridge, Massachusetts then as a Strategic Plans Officer in DAMO-SSW (War Plans Division), Army G3. Following schooling at Fort Leavenworth he began a series of assignments in the Pacific to include 25th ID Plans Officer (CJTF-76, OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM), Battalion Executive Officer in 3rd Battalion, 7th Field Artillery, Executive Officer for 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM), and Contingency Plans Officer in J35, United States Pacific Command. Colonel Preston then returned to the 25th ID as Commander 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery (OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM AND NEW DAWN) and Division G3 (Rear). He then departed Hawaii and assumed command of the 214th Fires Brigade and 4th Division Artillery before returning to the 25th ID as Chief of Staff. In his most recent assignment, Colonel Preston served as the Director for the Chief of Staff of the Army's Coordination Group.

His civilian education includes a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Oklahoma, a Master of Public Administration degree from Harvard University, and a Master of Military Arts and Sciences degree from the United States Army Command and General Staff College. He also attended a Senior Service College Fellowship at the Scowcroft Institute, Texas A&M University.

COL Preston is married and has two adult children.