Master Sergeant Justin A. Tyler
MSgt Justin A. Tyler is the First Sergeant for the 172d Maintenance Squadron, Thompson Field, Jackson, Mississippi. In this capacity he serves as the vital link between the commander and enlisted personnel. As the key advisor to the commander for all readiness, health, moral, welfare and quality of life issues within the organization, he ensures the unit maintains a mission ready force.
MSgt Tyler began his military career in February 2002 by enlisting in the Mississippi Army National Guard as a Tank Turret Specialist. Following basic training, he attended track vehicle maintenance school in Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. In 2014, MSgt Tyler ended his career in the Mississippi Army National Guard and enlisted in the Mississippi Air National Guard as an Air Transportation Specialist. During his career, MSgt Tyler served in multiple roles including battalion liaison for the Very Small Aperture Terminal Satellite, load planner, frontline supervisor, and team supervisor. During his time serving the Mississippi Army National Guard and the 172d Airlift Wing, he served numerous activations in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and multiple humanitarian operations. His knowledge and hard work during these activations aided in maintaining the excellent reputation and exceptional readiness of the 172d Airlift Wing. Prior to his current position, the master sergeant was the Small Air Terminal Supervisor, 172d Logistics Readiness Squadron, Thompson Field, Jackson, Mississippi.
EDUCATION
2002 Basic Military Training, Fort Knox, Ky.
2003 Tank Turret Repair School, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md.
2010 Supply Specialist School, Fort Knox, Ky.
2018 Airman Leadership School, Air University, Maxwell Air Force Base-Gunter Annex, Ala., by correspondence
2020 Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Air University, Maxwell-Gunter AFB, Ala., by correspondence
2021 Bachelor of Science, Interdisciplinary Studies, Liberty University, Lynchburg, Va.
2023 United States First Sergeant Academy, Maxwell AFB-Gunter Annex, Ala.
2025 Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Air University, Maxwell-Gunter AFB, Ala., by correspondence
2025 Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education I, Joint Knowledge Online (JKO)
ASSIGNMENTS
1. February 2002—May 2002, Recruit, B Co, 106th Forward Support Battalion (FSB), Camp Shelby, Miss.
2. May 2002—August 2002, Student, Basic Military Training, Fort Knox, Ky.
3. August 2002—May 2003, Recruit, B Co, 106th FSB, Camp Shelby, Miss.
4. May 2003—October 2003, Student, Advanced Individual Training, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md.
5. October 2003—January 2005, Mechanic, B Co, 106th FSB, Camp Shelby, Miss. (January 2005—December 2005, Mechanic, B Co, 106th FSB, Iskandariya, Iraq)
6. December 2005—January 2011, S4, Regional Training Institute, Camp Shelby, Miss.
7. January 2011—March 2014, Supply Specialist, Head Quarters 106th FSB, Monticello, Miss.
8. March 2014—January 2015, Student, 172d Airlift Wing Student Flight, Thompson Field, Jackson, Miss.
9. January 2015—January 2015, Student, Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga.
10. January 2015—March 2023, Air Transportation Specialist, 172d Logistics Readiness Squadron, Thompson Field, Jackson, Miss.
11. March 2023—April 2025, First Sergeant, 172d Maintenance Squadron, Thompson Field, Jackson, Miss. (September 2024 -January 2025, First Sergeant, 183d Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar)
12. April 2025—Present, First Sergeant, 172d Civil Engineer Squadron, Thompson Field, Jackson, Miss.
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Meritorious Service Medal
Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster
Air and Space Achievement Medal
Army Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Private First-Class February 27, 2002
Specialist September 15, 2004
Sergeant June 25, 2005
Staff Sergeant March 18, 2014
Technical Sergeant June 2, 2018
Master Sergeant September 12, 2020
(Current as of February 2026)