ROBERT A. TOLHURST

Robert A. Tolhurst, a member of the Senior Executive Service, is the Executive Director of the Joint Warfare Analysis Center (JWAC), a component of US Strategic Command. He is responsible for the overall management and direction of JWAC's research and development programs and for applying the products of these programs to the needs of the customer, the Strategic Human Capital Plan for JWAC's civilian workforce, the structure of the command to optimize their direct analytical support of the Combatant Commanders, and oversees the development and implementation of JWAC Command policies and programs. The JWAC assists the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff and the combatant Commanders in preparation and analysis of joint operational plans and assists the service chiefs in the analysis on weapons effectiveness. The JWAC provides effects-based, precision targeting options for selected networks and nodes to carry out the national security and military strategies of theĀ U.S. during peace, crisis and war.

Mr. Tolhurst graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. After receiving his pilot's wings, he reported to VA-42 at Naval Air Station Oceana, Va., for training in the A-6 Intruder. He joined VA-75 in January 1972 and deployed to Vietnam where he flew 188 combat missions. Mr. Tolhurst served in the Navy for 26 years retiring as a Captain. His duties included serving in various branch, division, and department head positions, instructor pilot, executive officer, commanding officer, and senior staff positions.

During his XO/CO tour he was involved in Freedom of Navigation operations off the coast of Libya. On one of these missions, he attacked and sank a Libyan missile patrol boat that was attempting to attack U.S. ships. He was also closely involved in the Achille Lauro terrorist incident and the subsequent forcing down of an airliner carrying the terrorists who high-jacked that ship. Mr. Tolhurst accumulated more than 5,000 flight hours and 994 carrier landings during his Navy career.

EDUCATION
1969 Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, U.S. Naval Academy
1978 Master of Arts in Management, Webster College, St. Louis, Mo.
1985 Medium Attack Weapons Training School, Whidbey Island, Wash.
1988 Commander's Tactical Training Course, Dam Neck, Va.
2003 Six Sigma Green Belt Certificate, Raytheon Systems Inc., Arlington, Va.
2007 Navy Executive Business Course I, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
2009 Navy Executive Business Course II, Babson College, Westminster, Mass.

CAREER CHRONOLOGY
1. July 1969 - December 1970, Student, pilot training, Pensacola, Fla., and Beeville, Texas
2. January 1971 - January 1972, A-6 replacement pilot training, VA-42, NAS Oceana, Va.
3. January 1972 - December 1973, Branch and Division officer, VA-75, NAS Oceana, Va., and USS Saratoga
4. January 1974 - February 1976, Instructor and Pilot Training Officer, VT-22, NAS Kingsville, Texas
5. March 1976 - August 1978, Flight Deck Officer, USS John F. Kennedy, Norfolk, Va.
6. September 1978 - January 1981, Pilot Phase Head and Maintenance Officer, VA-42, NAS Oceana, Va.
7. February 1981 - February 1984, Operations Officer, VA-65, NAS Oceana and USS Eisenhower
8. March 1984 - June 1985, Head, A-6 Tactical Employment School and Safety Officer, Medium Attack Wing One, NAS Oceana, Va.
9. July 1985 - March 1988, Squadron Executive Officer and Commanding Officer, VA-85, NAS Oceana and USS Saratoga
10. April 1988 - July 1990, Air Operations Officer, Commander Carrier Group Four staff, NAS Norfolk, Va.
11. August 1990 - October 1995, Commander, Naval Warfare Analysis Center and Joint Warfare Analysis Center, Dahlgren, Va.
12. November 1995 - July 2004, Group Leader, Raytheon Systems, Inc., Arlington, Va.
13. August 2004 - present, Executive Director, Joint Warfare Analysis Center, Dahlgren, Va.

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Distinguished Flying Cross
Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster
Air Medal (3 individual flight and 10 strike flight awards)
Navy Commendation Medal with five oak leaf clusters
Navy Achievement Medal
Presidential Unit Citation
Navy Unit Citation
Battle "E" with oak leaf cluster
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross
Vietnamese Campaign Ribbon
RADM C. J. Rorie Leadership Award

(Current as of January 2013)