Navy and Marine Corps ROTC

Scott Brunson
CAPT Scott Brunson was born in Kentucky and raised in Virginia, Iowa, and Illinois. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science in Integrative Biology. He also holds a Master of Arts in International Relations from Webster University and a Master of Arts in Strategic Studies from the U. S. Army's Strategic Leadership Studies Program. Operationally, CAPT Brunson's tours include flying with the "World Watchers" of Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron ONE (VQ-1) flying the EP-3E Aries II in support of Operations SOURTHERN WATCH, ENDURING FREEDOM, and IRAQI FREEDOM also with missions in the Western Pacific; USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63) in support of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces in the Western Pacific; the "Rangers" of Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron TWO (VQ-2) flying in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM, ENDURING FREEDOM, NEW DAWN, ODYSSEY DAWN, and UNIFIED PROTECTOR; the "Screaming Eagles" of Patrol Squadron ONE (VP-1), where he served as the Executive and the Commanding Officer, deploying twice to the Western Pacific as well as the Middle East in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. Ashore, CAPT Brunson's assignments include serving as Flag Lieutenant for Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group (CPRG) at NSA Norfolk, VA; Support to Operations Air Officer, Executive Officer-Support to Operations Division, and Coordination Officer-J3 Directorate at NATO's Supreme Headquarters, Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Mons, Belgium; Japanese Engagement/Operational Plans/Future Requirements Director (N5/N7/N8) for Commander, Task Force SEVEN TWO (CTF-72) located at NAF Atsugi, Ayase, Japan; Fleet Government Program Manager for Commander, U. S. Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor, HI. CAPT Brunson assumed command of NROTC University of Idaho/Washington State University in September 2023.

Matthew Rigler
Commander Matthew Rigler is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Systems Engineering. Matt also earned a Master of Science degree from the Naval Postgraduate School in Systems Technology in 2005. He was designated a Naval Aviator in August 2007. In 2008, CDR Rigler reported to the “Eightballers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron EIGHT (HSC-8) in San Diego, CA, deploying on board USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN-74) to the Seventh Fleet AOR. In 2011, CDR Rigler reported to the “Warhawks” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron TEN (HS-10) for duty as a Fleet Replacement Instructor Pilot. HS-10 was “sun downed” in 2012 at which point Matt became an instructor at HSC-3. In addition to Instructor duty, he served as Assistant Operations Officer, Training Officer, and Search and Rescue Evaluator and Model Manager. In 2014, CDR Rigler reported to Norfolk, VA to the “Red Wolves” of HSC-84, a squadron providing dedicated SOF support. He deployed twice to CENTCOM Crises Response Element, and once to Jordan in support of Exercise EAGER LION before decommissioning HSC-84 in March 2016. In 2016, CDR Rigler returned to San Diego for his department head tour with the “Firehawks” of HSC-85, HSC-84’s sister squadron also providing dedicated SOF support. He served as Future Operations Officer, Det Operations Officer, and Maintenance Officer conducting one deployment to the Philippines in support of Exercise BALIKATAN and to Darwin, Australia in support of Exercise TALISMAN SABER. His second deployment with HSC-85 was to the Horn of Africa as part of the Personnel Recovery Task Force. In 2019, CDR Rigler was assigned to NATO Allied Joint Forces Command, Brunssum in the Netherlands where he worked in the J5 Plans Division focused on Planning Support and Coordination. He managed and taught NATO’s Tools for Operational Planning Functional Area Services (TOPFAS). He was also a member of the Advanced Consultation Working Group focused on the integration of non-NATO Partner for Peace nations. In 2022, CDR Rigler reported to Virginia Beach as Detachment Officer in Charge (OIC) at Tactical Air Control Squadron TWO ONE (VTC-21) onboard Joint Expeditionary Base – Little Creek. He deployed with a detachment of air traffic controllers, operations specialists, and watch officers manning the Tactical Air Control Center on board USS BATAAN (LHD-5) in support of the Amphibious Ready Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit (ARG/MEU). CDR Rigler’s personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (Strike/Flight), Navy Commendation Medal (3), Navy Achievement Medal (3), Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist pin, and various unit and campaign awards. He was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Peer Leadership Award in 2011. He and his wife Erika have two children.

Caleb Scarlett
Born in Durham, NC and raised in Madison, WI, LT Scarlett received his commission from the NROTC Program at the University of California, Berkeley in 2019, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering. He then reported to Nuclear Power School, graduating with Honors with class 1907. Following Power School, LT Scarlett qualified as Engineering Officer of the Watch (EOOW) on MTS 635, USS SAMUEL RAYBURN, in Charleston, SC. His first operational assignment was aboard USS PENNSYLVANIA (SSBN-735), where he served as the Chemistry-Radiological Controls Assistant, Communications Officer, Damage Control Assistant, and Assistant Operations Officer. Aboard PENNSYLVANIA, he completed two strategic deterrent patrols and two drydocking periods, including bringing the ship into Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for an Extended Refit Period. LT Scarlett currently serves as the Submarine Warfare Officer at NROTC University of Idaho where he is pursuing a Masters of Engineering in Chemical Engineering. In his spare time, LT Scarlett enjoys running, skiing, and attending electronic dance music concerts.

Shannon Hart
Capt Shannon E. Hart hails from Grand Rapids, Minnesota, and reported to the United States Naval Academy in June 2016. Capt Hart graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science in May 2020. She completed The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia in April 2021 and Marine Artillery Officer Basic Course in Ft Sill, Oklahoma in September 2021. Capt Hart reported to 3d Battalion, 12th Marines (3/12) in September 2021, where she served as a cannon Fire Direction Officer with East Battery Alpha 1st Battalion, 10th Marines for Artillery Relocation Training Program (ARTP) 21.3. In January 2022, she reported to Winter Mountain Leader's Course in Bridgeport, California. Upon WMLC graduation, Capt Hart returned to 3/12 and reported to East Battery Bravo 1st Battalion, 10th Marines and served as a cannon Guns Platoon Commander and executed ARTP 22.1. In August 2022, Capt Hart transitioned to Battalion Staff and became 3/12's Battalion Fire Direction Officer and served in this capacity for Resolute Dragon 22. She then deployed with the 31st MEU aboard the USS America as the 31st MEU's HIMARS detachment Fire Direction Officer for the 23.1 deployment. She served as the 31st MEU's lead Fires Planner for Talisman Sabre 23 in April 2023. Upon returning to 3/12 she resumed duties as the Battalion Fire Direction Officer, serving in this role for ARTP 23.1. Capt Hart then took over as Headquarters Battery Executive Officer, where she served for ARTP 23.2 in July 2023. She then transitioned to serving as the Battalion's Assistant Logistics Officer and ARTP Coordinator, where she served for ARTP 23.3 in November 2023 and ARTP 23.4 in March of 2024. Capt Hart reported to University of Idaho in May 2024 to take over as the NROTC unit's Marine Officer Instructor (MOI). She served as a Platoon Commander at Officer Candidates School in Quantico, VA in summer 2025.

William Burdge
LT William Burdge, a native of Boise, ID, graduated in 2018 from Boise State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering and received his commission through Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI. At sea, he served as a First Lieutenant in charge of Deck division onboard USS MUSTIN (DDG-89). He most recently served as Reactor Control and Reactor Damage Control division officer onboard USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71). LT Burdge has completed four major deployments in the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility. Ashore, he attended the Navy Nuclear Power Training Command and Naval Prototype Training Unit, earning initial qualifications as a nuclear operator. His current assignment is Assistant Professor of Naval Science at University of Idaho in Moscow, ID, where he is also a graduate student in the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Industrial Management in pursuit of a Masters of Science in Nuclear Engineering. LT Burdge’s personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Meritorious Unit Citation, and the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award.

Cody Gleich
Before reporting to NROTC UI/WSU as the new AMOI, Gunnery Sergeant Gleich was serving as the S-4 Chief for the battalions Inspector-Instructor staff. He hails from Helena, MT where he was born and raised. He enlisted in the Marine Corps delayed entry program on September 28, 2007, and reported to recruit training on July 7, 2008 at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, C.A. Upon graduating from boot camp and Marine Corps Combat Training, Private Gleich attended the Basic Automotive Maintenance course at Camp Johnson, North Carolina where he received the Military Occupational Specialty 3521, Motor Transport Mechanic and graduated at the top of his class. He was subsequently promoted meritoriously to Lance Corporal. In March of 2009, he received orders to Combat Logistics Regiment 1, General Support Motor Transport Company, Camp Pendleton, CA. While assigned to GSMT, he performed the duties of Line Mechanic and Quality Control. He was deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom in September 2009 where he was meritoriously promoted to Corporal in April 2010. In April 2012, Corporal Gleich received orders to report to 1st Battalion 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. Upon arrival he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. During his tour, Sergeant Gleich held the billets of Floor Chief, Quality Control and Motor Transport Maintenance Chief. In July of 2014, Sergeant Gleich received orders to Drill Instructor School aboard MCRD San Diego, CA. Upon graduation Sergeant Gleich was assigned to Lima Company, 3rd Recruit training Battalion where he served as a Drill Instructor and Senior Drill Instructor. On October 1st 2016 he was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant and then assigned to India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion where he served as a Chief Drill Instructor. In September 2017 Staff Sergeant Gleich received orders to 1st Maintenance Battalion at Camp Pendleton, CA where he served as Battalion’s organic Motor Transport Maintenance Chief. In September of 2020, Staff Sergeant Gleich received orders to Combat Logistics Battalion 23 aboard Joint Base Lewis-McChord and is currently serving as an Inspector-Instructor staff member. In August of 2021 he was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant. As a member of CLB 23, Gunnery Sergeant Gleich’s billets included: Motor Transport Chief, Ground Safety Manager, Facilities Manager, Ammo Chief, SACO, and Environmental Compliance Officer and Licensing Officer. Gunnery Sergeant Gleich is currently the Assistant Marine Officer Instructor at the University of Idaho/Washington State University NROTC Unit. Gunnery Sergeant Gleich’s personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Navy And Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3 awards).

Harrison Ellis
Lieutenant Harrison Ellis is a native of Colorado. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology and commissioned through the NROTC program at University of Idaho in May 2020. LT Ellis’ first assignment was USS PORTLAND (LPD 27) in San Diego, CA where he served as Air DIVO, 1st DIVO, and Medical DIVO. While onboard, he went on a 3rd, 5th, and 7th Fleet deployment and, in March 2023, earned his Surface Warfare Officer qualification. LT Ellis then transferred to USS CAPE ST. GEORGE (CG 71) where he served as Assistant Chief Engineer during the Cruiser Service Life Extension Project, Light-Off Assessment, and homeport change from Everett, WA to San Diego, CA. During this tour, he earned his Gas Turbine Engineering Officer of the Watch qualification. LT Ellis assumed his current duties as Assistant Professor of Naval Science in October 2025. He is pursuing a Master of Science in Geographic Information Science (GIS): Natural Hazards and Emergency Planning. LT Ellis is authorized to wear the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, National Defense Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.