Kazimierz "Kaz" Kotlow, a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army, is a visiting military fellow at The Washington Institute. Most recently, he served as the defense and army attache at the U.S. embassy in Yemen, a post he previously held at the U.S. embassy in Lebanon. He has also served as a Middle East foreign area officer, advising the Saudi Arabian National Guard in Hofuf, Saudi Arabia.
Prior to his postings as attache, Colonel Kotlow served as a special forces detachment commander, participating in counterterror and counternarcotics operations and deploying multiple times to Eritrea and Kuwait to train host nation forces in infantry operations and demining. His combat deployments include service with the Third Armored Division in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm and as Middle East advisor to the III Corps commander following the U.S. invasion of Iraq.
A highly decorated officer, Colonel Kotlow has been awarded two Bronze Stars, two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, and the Meritorious Service Medal. His military education includes Ranger School, Special Forces Qualification, airborne training, and study at the Command and General Staff College. Colonel Kotlow has been selected for promotion to the rank of full colonel.
Education: M.A., Middle Eastern studies, Princeton University; B.A., comparative area studies, Duke University
