‘This village kid from Punjab': US Army Major 'Simmer' Singh promoted to Lieutenant Colonel

Major Simratpal “Simmer” Singh, deputy commander of the US Army Corps of Engineers – Japan Engineer District (JED), was promoted to lieutenant colonel during a ceremony November 26 at District headquarters on Camp Zama.

Col Patrick Biggs, JED commander, presided over the event and administered a reaffirmation of the oath of office, reports army.mil.

Singh’s parents, Sukhbir Singh and Jasvir Kaur, pinned on their son’s new rank in front of family, friends and colleagues.

Singh reflected on his journey during remarks at the ceremony, crediting mentors, friends and Army leaders for their support throughout his career. “The Army and this Nation have given this village kid from Punjab far more than he deserves, and my hope is to be able to give even a tenth of it back,” he said.

“Good leaders throughout my career have lifted me up and helped remove barriers. This is what I hope to emulate.”

As deputy commander, Singh helps oversee a diverse portfolio of engineering missions that support the U.S.–Japan Alliance and contribute to regional stability across the Indo-Pacific. His promotion represents a significant endorsement of his leadership and ability to manage complex operations on behalf of the United States.

Over the course of more than 15 years in uniform, Singh has built a career as a combat engineer and leader in key command and staff roles. He began his service with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, where he served as an assistant brigade engineer and platoon leader. He deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, leading more than 180 combat patrols to clear routes, strengthen base defenses, and support the establishment of the first medical facility in Shah Wali Kot Province.

After returning from deployment, Singh served as brigade finance officer, preparing annual budget estimates and helping allocate $15 million for a National Training Center rotation while overseeing financial support to more than 20 enabling units.

Following the Engineer Captain’s Career Course, he joined the 249th Engineer Battalion at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. There, he helped plan and execute 23 critical national-defence power-generation missions supporting strategic facilities worldwide. He also contributed to real-world hurricane response efforts—including during Hurricanes Matthew, Harvey and Maria—and coordinated major disaster-response exercises with FEMA, USACE Headquarters and multiple state emergency agencies.

Singh later commanded the battalion’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company, managing the Army’s only industrial-scale generators deployed globally. He subsequently served as an instructor and assistant professor of economics and finance at the US Military Academy at West Point, teaching future Army officers and contributing to academic research.

A native of Kent, Washington, Singh is a 2010 graduate of the US Military Academy with a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering. He also holds a Master of Science in engineering management from Missouri University of Science and Technology, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland, and a Master of Operational Studies from the US Army Command and General Staff College.

His military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO Service Medal, German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge, Combat Action Badge, Air Assault Badge and Ranger Tab.