Tim Ringgold formed DEFENSE SOLUTIONS upon his retirement from the US Army in 2001 with the philosophy that American soldiers deserve the best equipment, best training, and best leadership in order to do their jobs with the least possible risk.

Tim began his Army career right out of high school as an infantry private in 1971. After several years of enlisted service, he attended West Point, graduating in 1978. He served a total of 30 years before retiring from active duty. Tim’s Army assignments include enlisted service with 3rd Ranger Company, five years of troop duty in Germany where he commanded Audey Murphy’s famed rifle company in the 3rd Infantry Division, commander of an M-1 tank battalion, service as Commandant of the Officer Candidate School and ROTC Instructor at Temple University; and Commander of an Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

Tim served 7 ½ years in the Pentagon, first as Director of Congressional Affairs for the Army National Guard (1992 to 1996) followed by three years as Deputy Assistant Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In 1999, Tim assumed command of a mechanized infantry brigade combat team consisting of 6 battalions and more than four thousand soldiers. Tim commanded the brigade through the US Army trials which lead to the brigade’s selection for the $2 billion conversion to the Stryker Brigade Combat Team.

Tim's civilian education includes a Bachelor’s degree from West Point, three Master’s degrees (economics, legislative affairs and national security policy) from Temple University and the George Washington University and a doctorate (Ph.D.) in economics. He is a graduate of both the US Army Command and General Staff College and the US Army War College.

Immediately after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the Bush Administration called on Tim’s widely recognized interagency skills, political acumen, and national security expertise to write the 2002 White House study, “Critical Infrastructure Protection (Classified).” In this capacity, Tim helped influence national priorities in the aftermath of the 911 terrorist attacks.

Tim is a prolific writer and poised public speaker who can communicate effectively with wide ranging audiences - and win their support. He is called on frequently as a guest speaker and panelist on Homeland Security, Defense transformation and military policy issues and has appeared on CNN, Fox, and CNBC television networks. From 2004 to 2008, he served as the Homeland Security columnist and a Member of the Advisory Board for Security Products magazine and he continues to serve, as he has since 2003, on the Board of Directors of the National Infantry Association.

Tim’s military decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, five Meritorious Service Medals, the Army Staff Badge, the Joint Chiefs of Staff Badge, and numerous other awards. At his retirement, he was honored with a citation for distinguished public service from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and awarded the Pennsylvania Meritorious Service Medal by Governor Tom Ridge.