South Dakota State University Army ROTC

Professor of Military Science

Lieutenant Colonel John Peary assumed the role of SDSU Army ROTC Professor of Military Science (PMS) in June of 2024. Prior to assuming the role of PMS, Lieutenant Colonel Peary served as the Deputy Assistant Commandant (NG) for the US Army Military Police School, Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. His extensive experience as a Military Police Officer is diverse having served in operational roles from the tactical to strategic levels. Lieutenant Colonel Peary’s previous assignments include Insider Threat Program Manager for G-3/5/7, National Guard Bureau, Arlington, VA, MEB Integration Officer, MSCoE, Ft. Leonard Wood MO, Chief Plans Officer, 196th MEB, SDARNG, MMS Operations Officer, 196th MEB, SDARNG, Commander 235th MP CO, SDARNG, and Platoon Leader, 235th MP CO, SDARNG. 

Lieutenant Colonel Peary graduated from Texas State University, San Marcos, TX where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology and a Master of Science in Strategic Leadership through Black Hills State University in Spearfish, SD. Lieutenant Colonel Peary is a graduate of the Military Police Officer Basic Course, Military Police Captains Career Course, distinguished graduate of Command and General Staff Officer Course (CGSOC) and holds a functional area earned from the U.S. Army Simulations Officer Course (FA57). In addition, Lieutenant Colonel Peary is a graduate of the USAMPS Special Reaction Team, Law Enforcement Senior Leader, Physical Security and Crime Prevention, and Anti-Terrorism Basic and Advanced courses.

A native of upstate New York, Lieutenant Colonel Peary was commissioned in 2008 through the OCS program where he accepted a basic branch as Military Police Officer.  Lieutenant Colonel Peary has served in a variety of military police roles in both CONUS and OCONUS assignments and has an extensive enlisted background which includes service in both the United States Marine Corps and Army National Guard.     

Lieutenant Colonel Peary’s awards and decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (2nd Award), Army Commendation Medal (3rd Award), Army Achievement Medal (2nd Award), Army Good Conduct Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (4th Award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Armed Forces Reserve Medal, NATO Medal, Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2nd Award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, and Afghanistan Campaign Medal. 

Lieutenant Colonel Peary’s civilian experience includes service as a police Officer for the City of Pierre, SD followed by several years as a State Trooper with the South Dakota Highway Patrol.  He married his wife Lisa in 2010 and together they share three children: Michael (11), Matthew (8), and Morgan (5).