CPT Joshua Elkins was born in Columbia, SC and raised in Maryville, TN. He graduated from East Tennessee State University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science degree in K-12 Physical Education and Wellness and commissioned as an Aviation Officer through the Reserve Officer’s Training Corps.
In May 2013, CPT Elkins completed Flight School XXI at Fort Rucker, AL. Following graduation, CPT Elkins received an LUH-72 transition in Fort Indiantown Gap, PA and was then assigned to 5th Aviation Battalion, Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Polk, LA. While assigned to 5th Aviation Battalion, he served as an Opposing Forces Platoon Leader, Flight Company Executive Officer, and Battalion Assistant Operations Officer.
In August 2016, CPT Elkins attended the United States Marine Corps’ Expeditionary Warfare School at Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA. In June 2017, upon completion of the course, he was assigned to the Strategic Effects Directorate at United States Army Pacific Command, Fort Shafter, HI, where he served as the Operations Officer for the Security, Cooperation, and Policy Division. In June 2018, he was then assigned to the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade at Wheeler Army Airfield, HI where he served as the Assistant Operations Officer and in March 2019 took command of Charlie Company, 2-25th Aviation Regiment for 15 months.
In August 2020, following his Company Command time, CPT Elkins transitioned to the United States Army Reserves where he was assigned to Brigade Support Team 7 (BST) of the 4-413th Senior Reserve Officer Training Corps (SROTC) Battalion serving as an Adjutant Professor of Military Science for East Tennessee State University’s ROTC program. CPT Elkins now serves as the full time Military Science Instructor for all MS1 Cadets.
CPT Elkins is a rated UH-60 Blackhawk and LUH-72 Lakota Pilot-in-Command. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (second award), Army Achievement Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Aviator badge, Parachutist badge, and Air Assault badge.