John "Buck" Surdu
Lieutenant Colonel Buck Surdu currently serves as the Product Manager for One Semi Automated Forces.
Prior to his current assignment he was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the United States Military Academy, West Point, and Senior Research Scientist in the Information Technology and Operations Center.
Upon his graduation from the United States Military Academy, Lieutenant Colonel Surdu was commissioned a second lieutenant of infantry, serving in a variety of leadership positions in the 3rd Battalion (Airborne), 3 25th Infantry at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and Vicenza, Italy. He served as a platoon trainer in the 2nd Battalion, 11th Infantry and commanded Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 507th Infantry at Ft. Benning, Georgia. He also served at the Brigade Assistant Operations Officer in the 1st Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, in the Republic of Korea.
He served as a research scientist and team leader at the Army Research Laboratory, focusing on unique uses for virtual reality technologies for command and control applications. As a senior research scientist at the Information Technology and Operations Center he directed several applied research efforts, including projects for PM Airborne Electronic Combat, PM Effects (formerly PM AFATDS), PM Soldier, and the Topographic Engineering Center.
In addition to a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science from the United States Military Academy, Lieutenant Colonel Surdu has earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Columbus State University, a Master of Science degree in computer science from Florida State University (focusing on automated target recognition of 2nd generation infra red images), and Doctoral degree in computer science from Texas A&M University (focusing on simulation and artificial intelligence). His military schooling includes the Infantry Officer’s Advanced Course, Command and General Staff College, and both the Program Managers Course and the Program Manager’s Skills Course at the Defense Acquisition University.
His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (with oak leaf cluster), Army Commendation Medal (with four oak leaf clusters), Expert Infantryman’s Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, and Ranger Tab.
Lieutenant Colonel Surdu is married to the former Ms. Candace Strader of Columbus, Georgia. They have two children, Tommy and Samantha.
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