Brigadier General (BG) Nate Carper is currently serving as the Deputy Adjutant General, advising the Adjutant General in all aspects of daily operational activities for the New Mexico Army National Guard.
BG Carper was born in Charleston, WV, to his parents Susan and Tommy Carper. BG Carper holds a high school diploma from Calhoun County HS, an Associate Degree from New Mexico Military Institute, a Bachelor’s from New Mexico State University, and a Master’s in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College. Since joining the New Mexico Army National Guard in 1997, he has served in various leadership roles, including Avenger Platoon Leader, Battery Executive Officer, and Battery Commander. He was the last Air Defense Commander for New Mexico, overseeing air defense operations in Washington, DC. He also commanded Charlie Company, 1st Bn 515th RTI, and served as Executive Officer for the Warrior Transition Course.
BG Carper’s deployments include Guantanamo Bay, where he served as Officer in Charge of the Detention Operations Center, and Kosovo, where he was Brigade S3 for Multi-National Battle Group East. He later commanded the 111th Sustainment Brigade and led the Joint Task Force during the Guard’s COVID-19 response. He also served as G5 Strategic
Planner and Chief of Staff for the NMARNG.
His military education includes Harvard’s Leadership in Homeland Security, the U.S. Army War College and General Staff Officer’s Course.
BG Carpenters awards include:
- US DECORATIONS AND BADGES
- Defense Meritorious Service Med
- Meritorious Service Medal (with 1 Silver Oak Leaf Cluster)
- Army Commendation Medal (with 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster)
- Joint Service Achievement Medal
- Army Achievement Medal Joint Meritorious Unit Award
- National Defense Service Medal (with 1 Bronze Star)
- Kosovo Campaign Medal (with Bronze Service Star)
- Global War on Terrorism-Expeditionary Medal
- Global War on Terrorism-Service Medal
- Armed Forces Service Medal (with 1 Bronze Star)
- Armed Forces Reserve Medal (with M Device with Silver Hour Glass)
- Army Service Ribbon
- Overseas Service Ribbon (with Numeral 2)
- North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal
- Air Assault Badge
- Basic Recruiting and Retention ID Badge
- German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge – Gold
He is married to Colleen Casey of Las Cruces, NM. They have two sons, Thomas and Maxwell, and live in Corrales.
