Colonel Robert A. Hilliard assumed command of the U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville, Oct. 2, 2025. The Huntsville Center executes more than 3,000 contracts valued at more than $2 billion annually in engineering, construction and technical services in support of strategic national programs, installation facility repair and renewal construction, national energy resilience programs, nationwide environmental and ordnance remediation programs, Army medical facilities design oversight, and overseas contingency operations.
Command assignments include Vicksburg District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 4th Engineer Battalion at Fort Carson, Colorado, and C Company, 70th Engineer Battalion at Fort Riley, Kansas. COL Hilliard also served as the Mississippi Valley Division Deputy Commander in Vicksburg, Mississippi and Senior Engineer Observer/Controller at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California.
His civilian education includes a bachelor of science degree in Civil Engineering from Auburn University, a master of science degree in Engineering Management from the University of Missouri-Science and Technology, a master of science degree in Civil Engineering from Montana State University (Bozeman), and a master of science degree in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, PA. Col. Hilliard’s military education includes the Engineer Basic and Advanced courses, the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the U.S. Army War College. He is a registered professional engineer in the state of Missouri.
Colonel Hilliard has various awards and decorations in addition to the Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Ranger Tab. Other awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit (2), Bronze Star Medal (3), Meritorious Service Medal (5), Navy Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (3), Joint Achievement Medal, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge and Ranger Tab.