COL Kevin W. Mangum was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant of Armor upon graduation from the United States Military Academy in 1982. He attended the Armor Officer Basic Course at Fort Knox, Ky. followed by flight school and the UH-60 Aircraft Qualification Course at Fort Rucker, AL.
COL Mangum assumed command Fort Drum, New York on June 7, 2008.
He has served in a variety of aviation, special operations, and joint assignments. His assignments include two tours in the Republic of Korea as a section leader and as the Commander of 2d Battalion (Assault), 2d Aviation Regiment. He also served as the Flight Operations Officer, Company Commander, and Battalion S-3 in 4th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, Fort Campbell, KY. COL Mangum has served the bulk of his career in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne). In four separate tours in the 160th (Task Force 160, the Group and the Regiment), spanning nearly 14 years, he served in assignments from section leader to regiment commander. His most recent past assignments include: Commanding Officer, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne); Deputy Commander, Aviation Tactics Evaluation Group, Joint Special Operations Command; Senior Service College Fellow, Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University; and Commander, 1st Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne). COL Mangum also holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Webster University.
His awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (w/OLC), Distinguished Flying Cross and Bronze Star (w/OLC), Master Aviator Badge, Parachutists Badge, and the Air Assault Badge.