MMA Names New Commandant of Cadets

Missouri Military Academy has hired COL Timothy Baer to serve as commandant of cadets. Baer comes to MMA from his post as deputy director of the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center — the Army’s primary historical research facility — at the Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He will begin his duties at MMA on April 15, 2026.

In his new role as commandant, Baer will oversee the daily activities of the MMA Corps of Cadets, providing a supportive and orderly environment for learning to ensure the Academy maintains high standards. He will be responsible for coordinating cadets’ military training and implementing the Academy’s cadet leadership program. Baer will also oversee MMA’s summer academic academy and camps.

“Colonel Baer’s distinguished record of service and leadership exemplifies the values we strive to instill in every cadet,” said MMA President Brigadier General Richard V. Geraci, USA (Ret). “His experience developing leaders and fostering discipline, accountability, and teamwork will enrich the 360° Education we provide our cadets, and I am confident he will have a lasting, positive impact on our cadets and our community.”

Baer’s 31-year Army career has included service in the Honor Guard at Arlington National Cemetery, platoon leader, company executive officer, troop commander, instructor, trainer, liaison and operations director at U.S. bases in Virginia, Georgia, Kentucky, New York and Kansas. He has served on international assignments in Israel, Germany and Canada. Baer served as a battalion commander at Joint Base Lewis-McChord near Tacoma, Washington, responsible for training and evaluating Reserve and National Guard units. He served as the deputy chief of operations at the Army Operations Center at the Pentagon, responsible for monitoring worldwide Army operations, and was also assigned to the Canadian Joint Operations Command in Ottawa. Baer served as the deputy chief of staff responsible for staff coordination and synchronization at Canada’s only combatant command-level headquarters. His deployments included Iraq and Afghanistan.

His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Iraq and Afghanistan Campaign Medals, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge and the Canadian Chief of the Defense Staff Commendation. He has been recognized by the Order of Saint George (U.S. Cavalry and Armor Association) and the Order of Saint Maurice (National Infantry Association).

Baer has been deputy director at the US Army Heritage and Education Center since 2022, charged with the oversight of two academic libraries, the official archives of the U.S. Army and a museum facility.

An alumnus of Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia, Baer holds a bachelor’s degree in architectural studies from the University of Pittsburgh, a master’s in adult and continuing education from Kansas State University and a master’s in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College. Baer’s military education includes the U.S. Army War College, Command and General Staff College, Combined Arms and Services Staff School, Small Group Instructor Course, Basic Instructor Course, Cavalry Leaders Course, Maneuver Captains Career Course, and Armor Officer Basic Course.

His Fork Union cadet experience brings a unique perspective to this next chapter in his life, Baer says. “I am excited to work with the cadets and to help set them on a path to a successful future,” he says.

Baer and his wife, Debbie, have a daughter, Sarah. He enjoys the outdoors, camping, running and building models.