Colonel Daniel Vargas is the Deputy Wing Commander of the 163d Attack Wing, stationed at March Air Reserve Base, California. In this role, he is a key leader for an MQ-9A Reaper wing of over 950 members. The 163d Attack Wing executes a crucial and multifaceted mission, providing global intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and tactical combat support to warfighters, while also offering critical defense support to civil authorities. Furthermore, the wing serves as a vital training hub, hosting the formal training unit for the next generation of MQ-9 Reaper pilots and sensor operators, as well as a Civil Engineering Regional Training Site that equips Airmen with essential contingency and readiness skills.
Colonel Vargas joined the 163d Attack Wing as a Security Forces Apprentice in 2000 and was commissioned in 2007. He has deployed to Kuwait, Columbia, and Afghanistan. On his most recent deployment, he led a multinational/joint team as a Senior Logistics Advisor for NATO Training Mission Afghanistan, where he aided in the advancement of the Afghan National Police logistics infrastructure. Prior to his current position, Colonel Vargas served as the Commander for the 163d Mission Support Group, March Air Reserve Base, Calif.
He has coordinated with Higher Headquarters, both at the state and national levels, on manpower and personnel issues to include the Title 5 and Technician-to-AGR realignment, SATAFs, Emergency State Activations, home station T-10 combat taskings, RCP mobilizations, and Recruiting and Retention. Additionally, he served as an Assistant United States Property and Fiscal Officer for the State of California and ensured regulatory requirements were met for the accountability of $47 million in property.
EDUCATION
1999 Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice, Northeastern University, Boston, Mass.
2007 Academy of Military Science Course, McGhee Tyson ANGB, Tenn.
2013 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence
2014 Masters of Business Administration, University of Southern California, Calif.
2019 Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence.
2022 Air War College, Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence.
ASSIGNMENTS
1. February 2000 – August 2007, Security Forces Member, 163d Security Forces Squadron, March ARB, Calif.
2. September 2007 – September 2009, OIC Sustainment Services, 163d Services Flight, March ARB, Calif.
3. October 2009 – September 2014, OIC Manpower and Personnel Flight, 163d Force Support Squadron, March ARB, Calif. (July 2011 – January 2012, Senior Logistics Advisor, NATO Training Mission Afghanistan, Kabul, Afghanistan)
4. July 2016 – December 2019, Director of Personnel, 163d Force Support Squadron, March ARB, Calif.
5. January 2020 – April 2023, Commander, 163d Logistics Readiness Squadron, March ARB, Calif.
6. May 2023 – October 2024, Deputy Commander, 163d Mission Support Group, March ARB, Calif.
7. November 2024 – November 2025, Commander, 163d Mission Support Group, March ARB, Calif.
8. November 2025 – Present, Deputy Commander, 163d Attack Wing, March ARB, Calif.
SUMMARY OF JOINT ASSIGNMENTS
1. July 2011 – January 2012, Senior Logistics Advisor, NATO Training Mission Afghanistan, Kabul, Afghanistan, as a Captain
2. February 2021 – March 2021, Joint Task Force Commander, JTF 144, Calif. National Guard, as a Lieutenant Colonel
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal with 1 oak leaf cluster
Air and Space Commendation Medal with 1 oak leaf clusters
Army Commendation Medal
Air and Space Achievement Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2012 Outstanding Company Grade Officer of the Year, Calif. Air National Guard.
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Second Lieutenant Sept 14, 2007
First Lieutenant Sept 14, 2009
Captain Sept 14, 2011
Major Oct 4, 2015
Lieutenant Colonel July 6, 2020
Colonel Jan 11, 2025
(Current as of December 2025)