Military Biography

Major Erich McCartney enlisted in the Florida Army National Guard on July 11, 2001, and was assigned to 144^th Transportation Company, Marianna, FL. In June of 2004, Major McCartney was deployed to Iraq as a Convoy Escort Team Leader. Upon redeployment in 2005 he enrolled in the University of Florida’s ROTC program in Gainesville, FL.

After receiving his commission in 2009 he attended the Field Artillery Basic Officer Leaders Course at Fort Sill, OK. Upon completion of his Basic Course, Major McCartney was assigned to Alpha Battery 2nd Battalion 116th Field Artillery Regiment in Bartow, FL, as a Fire Direction Officer. In 2010, Major McCartney deployed to Kuwait, in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn. Upon redeploymeMajor Erich McCartney enlisted in the Florida Army National Guard on July 11, 2001, and was assigned to 144^th Transportation Company, Marianna, FL. In June of 2004, Major McCartney was deployed to Iraq as a Convoy Escort Team Leader. Upon redeployment in 2005 he enrolled in the University of Florida’s ROTC program in Gainesville, FL.

After receiving his commission in 2009 he attended the Field Artillery Basic Officer Leaders Course at Fort Sill, OK. Upon completion of his Basic Course, Major McCartney was assigned to Alpha Battery 2nd Battalion 116th Field Artillery Regiment in Bartow, FL, as a Fire Direction Officer. In 2010, Major McCartney deployed to Kuwait, in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn. Upon redeployment in 2011 Major McCartney was reassigned as a Platoon Leader with Alpha Battery. Then Major McCartney was assigned to HHB 2nd Battalion 116th Field Artillery Regiment, Lakeland, FL in October 2013 as the Battalion Fire Direction Officer. In July 2015 he was selected and re-assigned back to Alpha Battery as Commander. In May 2017 Major McCartney was selected to unfurl the guidon of a new Battery in 2nd Battalion, Charlie Battery equipped with a new weapon system M777A2. In December 2018 Major McCartney was assigned to the 930th Digital Liasion Detachment (DLD) serving as a Fire Support Officer in Division in Corps level operations. In July 2020 Major McCartney was selected as the Battalion Executive Officer for 3rd Battalion 116th Field Artillery Regiment, Plant City, FL, which is where he serves today.

Major McCartney earned a Master’s of Science from the University of South Florida in Business Analytics and Information Systems and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Florida in Civil Engineering. His military education includes Basic Combat Training, Army ROTC, Field Artillery Officer Basic Course, Field Artillery Major Career Course, and Support Operations Course, Knowledge Management Qualification Course.

Major McCartney’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal (4 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (2OLC), Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Achievement Medal (2 OLC), National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Bronze Hourglass and “M” Device (3rd Award). Recipient of the Honorable Order of St. Barabara.

Major McCartney is a licensed general contractor and professional engineer, who consults with various firms in central Florida. He is a board member of the Gator Redleg Association, a fraternal organization for Field Artillery professionals.