Cadre

Lieutenant Colonel Alex Bedard joins UC Berkeley as the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps Professor of Military Science, bringing over two decades of military leadership and academic expertise to the campus community. Originally from South Glens Falls, New York, Alex developed a lifelong passion for fitness and outdoor recreation before attending West Point, graduating in 2006. Commissioned in the Infantry, he served in air assault, airborne, and armored units, leading soldiers during two combat deployments to Afghanistan. Believing deeply in mentorship and education, Alex completed his Master of Education in Kinesiology at the University of Virginia and returned to West Point to teach in the Department of Physical Education. He most recently served on the US Army I Corps staff as a future operations planner and as Executive Officer to the Commanding General, contributing directly to Army modernization and strategic competition efforts in the Pacific. Outside of his military and university duties, Alex is married to Sara, and they have two children, Morgan and Mason. The Bedard family is eager to explore the Bay Area and enjoy hiking, camping, swimming, and rock climbing.

Captain Caroline Lorenzini is a U.S. Army Field Artillery officer currently serving as an Assistant Professor of Military Science at the University of California, Berkeley. She joined the Golden Bear Battalion in September 2024. Prior to this assignment, she commanded Alpha Company, 4th Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Her previous assignments include serving as an Executive Officer and a Fire Support Officer with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

Captain Lorenzini earned a Bachelor of Science in Law and Legal Studies from the United States Military Academy at West Point, where she competed on the NCAA Division I women’s tennis team. She is a graduate of the Field Artillery Basic Officer Leader Course and the Field Artillery Captains Career Course and is currently pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Louisville.

Captain Matthew McCarthy is a U.S. Army Engineer officer currently serving as an Assistant Professor of Military Science with Army ROTC at the University of California, Berkeley. His career has spanned a range of leadership roles, most recently as Company Commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, First Army Division West, at Fort Hood, Texas. He previously served as a Platoon Leader, Task Force Engineer, and Company Executive Officer with the 1st Armored Division at Fort Bliss, Texas.

Captain McCarthy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point and a Master’s degree in Engineering Management from Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, Missouri. He is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and is currently pursuing Professional Engineer (PE) licensure in both California and Texas.

A native of New York, Captain McCarthy enjoys returning home to visit family, traveling, sports and fitness, and spending time with his wife, Olivia.

Master Sergeant Timothy Helsel serves as the Senior Military Science Instructor for the Golden Bear Battalion, bringing more than 18 years of Infantry leadership, training, and operational experience to UC Berkeley. Since joining the program in June 2024, Master Sergeant Helsel has served as the primary instructor for third-year cadets, preparing future Army officers in training management, small-unit leadership, physical readiness, and field operations.

An active-duty Infantryman, Master Sergeant Helsel has spent his career training, leading, and mentoring Soldiers and cadets in demanding environments. Before joining UC Berkeley, he served as a platoon sergeant in Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, at Fort Campbell, Tennessee