Chris Forbes, a colonel in the United States Army, was a visiting military fellow at The Washington Institute in 2014-15.
Colonel Forbes entered the Army in 1990 as a second lieutenant in the infantry upon graduation from the University of South Carolina, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in international studies. He has also earned a master’s degree in administration from Central Michigan University, a master’s degree in theater and operational planning from the School of Advanced Military Studies, and a master’s degree in national security and policymaking from the Naval War College.
Colonel Forbes commanded numerous infantry units through the brigade level and served on staff at division and corps level. He also served at the national level on the staff of the White House Drug Control Policy Office. His combat and operational assignments outside of the United States include a tour in Germany and deployments to Operation Desert Storm, Multi-National Force Observers in Egypt, the United Nations mission in Haiti, Operation Iraqi Freedom (twice), and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. His most recent assignment was in Jerusalem as the chief of staff for the Office of the U.S. Security Coordinator, Israel-Palestine.
Colonel Forbes’ awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal (3d Award), the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (6th Award), and the Army Commendation Medal (3d Award). His badges include the Combat Infantryman Badge (2d Award), Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, the Presidential Service Identification Badge, and the Ranger Tab.
