CW5 James Rathburn

CW5 Rathburn was born in South Korea on 11 February 1958. He is a graduate of Troy University where he held a Master’s Degree in Management.

CW5 (Retired) James Roy Rathburn entered active duty in January of 1976 and was trained as a 52D, Power Generation Mechanic. While there is little documented about his early career, it is apparent he was recognized by his command for his mechanical and leadership ability. This is proven by the fact by his unusual fast rise in rank as he was selected for promotion to E7 in his eighth year in service while enrolled in Warrant Officer Entry Course. Recognizing this unlimited potential, several of his leaders encouraged him to apply to become a Warrant Officer so the Army could better utilize and capitalize on his talents.

CW5 (Ret) Rathburn applied for and was accepted into the Warrant Officer training program and was appointed a W01, 630A in 1984. His first assignment was with a truck company located at Ft. Bliss, Texas. During his initial Warrant Officer assignment he was recognized by his leadership as being a well-respected technician who high standards raised the bar for not only those in the maintenance section, but the entire company. He maintained a worn-out fleet of line haul trucks that drove over 100,000 miles (accumulative) a year at a remarkable 95%+ readiness rate. This unit was recognized as the Forces Command (FORSCOM) Award for Maintenance Excellence (AAME) and Department of Defense (DOD) transportation unit of the year.

Following very successful assignments where he consistently improved every aspect of the maintenance arena, readiness rates, improved drivers training, SOP’s, and refit/ refurbishment programs, his talents drew the attention of leadership at the US Army Staff level. He was selected, by-name, to become Chief of the Logistics Section for the First US Army Headquarters located at Fort Meade, Maryland.

His contributions to the Ordnance Corps are legendary. Starting early in his career, you can tell he set his sights on dedicating his life to the defense of his country. A career accented with accelerated promotions, he has been acknowledged for his vision and ability to look forward and take the appropriate maintenance actions. The Army promotes on “potential” sprinkled with past performance. His potential to impact our Army maintenance programs was noted and utilized throughout his career.

CW5 Rathburn retired October 31th, 2014.