Lieutenant Colonel Robert (Bobby) Howell is the Deputy Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Far East District in the Republic of Korea. In this role, he oversees a robust staff of professionals who provide essential support functions for the district to execute and deliver an overall construction program valued at more than $6.6 billion.
A native of South Carolina, Lt. Col. Howell commissioned in 2008 as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Engineer Regiment after graduating from the United States Military Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. After completing the Engineer Officer Basic Course, Lt. Col. Howell served in the 36th Engineer Brigade at then Fort Cavazos, previously known as Fort Hood, Texas, as a Platoon Leader, Company Executive Officer, and commanded the 74th Multi-Role Bridge Company.
After command he completed the Engineer Captain's Career Course and earned a Master of Science degree in Engineering Management from Missouri University of Science and Technology. Following the career course, he served with the Sidewinder Team at the National Training Center as both a division engineer and engineer company OC/T. Lt. Col. Howell then served as a Small Group Leader at the Engineer Captains Career Course as a Project Warrior Fellow.
Following his time as an instructor, Lt. Col. Howell served as the aide-de-camp to the Commander of the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood. He attended the Command and General Staff College and the Advanced Military Studies Program (AMSP) at the School of Advanced Military Studies at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, earning a Master of Arts degree in Military Operations.
Lt. Col. Howell then served as a planner on the 3rd Infantry Division staff at Fort Stewart GA. Following his time at division, he was assigned as the S3 of the 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team. Lt. Col. Howell then served as the S3 of the 20th Engineer Brigade at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, and later the brigade Deputy Commanding Officer (DCO).
He is a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.), a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). He also holds post graduate degrees in engineering management and military operations.