Gabriel Velazquez

Gabriel Velazquez serves as Assistant Professor of Military Science and MSI & II Instructor at Rutgers University Army ROTC (Scarlet Knight Battalion), where he arrived in November 2024. A U.S. Army Captain with extensive combat and operational experience, he holds critical instructional responsibilities for cadet development and military training.

His educational foundation includes commissioning as a second lieutenant from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania in 2018. Professional development encompasses completion of the Field Artillery Captain’s Course (May 2022) and multiple advanced military training programs.

His expertise centers on Military Science, Field Artillery systems, and Fire Support Operations, with significant contributions to Tactical Operations and National Security frameworks. His operational background directly informs leadership development and combat readiness training for future Army officers.

His distinguished military decorations include:

• Meritorious Service Medal
• Army Commendation Medal (2 Bronze Oak Leaf clusters)
• Joint Service Achievement Medal
• Army Achievement Medal
• National Defense Service Medal
• Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
• Korea Defense Service Medal
• Armed Forces Service Medal (1 Bronze Star)
• Army Service Ribbon
• Army Overseas Service Ribbon (1 numeral)
• German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (Gold)

As ROTC faculty, Captain Velazquez mentors cadets through rigorous military science curriculum and leadership development programs, preparing them for commissioning. His operational command experience directly shapes cadet training in field artillery tactics and joint operations.

He leads instruction within the Scarlet Knight Battalion framework, integrating real-world combat experience from deployments to the Southwest Border, South Korea, and Southeast Asia into practical military education.