Ali Gokcen Ozdem
Assistant Professor
Buyukcekmece/Istanbul
Summary
Having served for 30 years as Planning Officer in Tactical, Operational and Strategic Levels and as a Commander in different levels of the Turkish Armed Forces, NATO, SFOR and EUFOR, I retired in 2013 as a Senior Colonel.
During my military services, I took part in several Peacekeeping operations. I was the commander of Turkish Battalion in 2004 under the NATO-led Stabilization Force (SFOR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). After SFOR handed over its responsibilities to the European Union Force (EUFOR), the European Union Peacekeeping Force in Bosnia (EUFOR Althea), I was appointed as the commander of Multinational Maneuver Battalion which was comprised of Turkish, Polish and Portuguese troops.
Having finished my mission in BiH, I was appointed as the Branch Head of Military Cooperation in NATO Land Component Command (LCC) in Madrid, mainly responsible for Partnership for Peace and Peacekeeping Operations in LCC Area of Responsibilities.
I completed my MSc degree in International Relations and my PhD in History in 2012. My major area is Ottoman History, Balkan and Middle East History. In my latest post in the army, as a senior Colonel I served as the Commander of the Turkish Armed Forces’ Chemical, Biological and Radiological Nuclear School and Training Center.
After this, I have assumed a position as the President of International Plato University (IPU) located in Bishkek/Kyrgyzstan for 20 months. International Plato University is the only accredited center in Central Asia by British Pearson BTEC which is one of the leading accreditation centers in Britain. Following this I worked in Nisantasi University as an Assistant Prof.
I am, as Assistant Professor currently teaching undergraduate level courses at Istanbul Dogus University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of History, where I have been working since 2018.
In addition to the courses I taught at the undergraduate level, I served as the Deputy Dean for more than a year. During this period, I planned and performed VIII. International Balkan History Studies Symposium and the certificate program on the Principles of Taking Part in International Institutions and Organizations.
The courses I have given in the departments of History and International Relations so far are summarized below:
Contemporary World Civilization
History of International Relations
Ottoman History
Middle East History
Balkan History
International Politics
International Organization And Global Governance
Diplomacy
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Assistant Professor of History
Istanbul Dogus University
Istanbul
02.2018 - Current
- Took attendance, graded assignments and maintained student records to assist teachers with administrative tasks and maintain smooth daily operations.
- Used variety of learning modalities and support materials to facilitate learning process and accentuate presentations.
- Handled classroom administration for professors.
- Performed research to serve as basis for academic writing for publication.
- Evaluated student progress through analysis of test scores and homework completion.
- Collected data for performance outcomes for History program.
- Mentored students and communicated internship and employment opportunities.
Assistant Professor of History
Istanbul Nisantasi University
Istanbul
06.2015 - 02.2018
- Took attendance, graded assignments and maintained student records to assist teachers with administrative tasks and maintain smooth daily operations.
- Used variety of learning modalities and support materials to facilitate learning process and accentuate presentations.
- Handled classroom administration for professors.
- Performed research to serve as basis for academic writing for publication.
- Evaluated student progress through analysis of test scores and homework completion.
- Collected data for performance outcomes for History program.
- Mentored students and communicated internship and employment opportunities.
Assistant Professor
Istanbul Ayvansaray University
Istanbul
01.2013 - 06.2015
- Took attendance, graded assignments and maintained student records to assist teachers with administrative tasks and maintain smooth daily operations.
- Used variety of learning modalities and support materials to facilitate learning process and accentuate presentations.
- Handled classroom administration for professors.
- Performed research to serve as basis for academic writing for publication.
- Evaluated student progress through analysis of test scores and homework completion.
- Collected data for performance outcomes for History program.
- Mentored students and communicated internship and employment opportunities.
Head of International Plato University
International Plato University
Bishkek
02.2013 - 12.2014
- Learned new skills and applied to daily tasks to improve efficiency and productivity.
- Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Maintained energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment.
- Prepared variety of different written communications, reports and documents.
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
- Completed paperwork, recognizing discrepancies and promptly addressing for resolution.
- In addition to my Presidency at International Plato University, I gave the following courses.
Contemporary World Civilization
History of International Relations
Ottoman history
Middle East History
Balkan History
Commander of CBRN Training Center
Turkish Armed Foreces
Istanbul
07.2010 - 07.2012
- Participated in team-building activities to enhance working relationships.
- Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service.
- Maintained excellent attendance record, consistently arriving to work on time.
- Maintained energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
- Used coordination and planning skills to achieve results according to schedule.
- Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Led projects and analyzed data to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Developed and implemented performance improvement strategies and plans to promote continuous improvement.
Chief of Staff
Turkish Armed Forces
Tatvan/Bitlis
06.2008 - 06.2010
- Supervised staff and participated in hiring, training and performance evaluations to establish and enforce policies and procedures for operational functions.
- Encouraged coordination and cooperation among departments and continuous review of interdepartmental processes to support quality control and improvement.
- Developed analytical frameworks, data models and relevant insights to support prioritization, scoping and effective decision-making throughout Brigade.
- Implemented project management techniques to overcome obstacles and increase team productivity.
Head of the Department
NATO
Madrid
07.2005 - 06.2008
- Worked actively with management team to create daily and weekly sales plans based on weekly Military Cooperation .
- Reduced process bottlenecks by training and coaching employees on practices, procedures and performance strategies.
- Kept employee workloads fair and balanced to achieve objectives while maintaining high job satisfaction.
- Introduced new methods, practices and systems to reduce turnaround time.
- Performed statistical analyses to gather data for operational and forecast team needs.
Battalion Commander
NATO/EUROFORCE
Zenica
05.2004 - 07.2005
- Inspected apparatus, equipment, grounds and stations for proper order and condition.
- Implemented comprehensive training operations, inspections and performance evaluations.
- Coordinated, scheduled and maintained team resources to achieve top levels of operational readiness.
- Oversaw proper implementation of best practices, policies and procedures in alignment with regulations and operational needs.
- Directed work of 3000 officers, NCO's and soldiers.
- Prepared and adjusted schedules to cover demand.
- Evaluated team performance and implemented strategies to close gaps in skills or knowledge.
- Drove operational improvements which resulted in savings and improved profit margins.
Logistic Planning Officer (Strategic Level)
Turkish General Staff
Ankara
07.2002 - 05.2004
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and fast-paced atmosphere.
- Maintained excellent attendance record, consistently arriving to work on time.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Created plans and communicated deadlines to complete projects on time.
- Used coordination and planning skills to achieve results according to schedule.
- Developed and implemented performance improvement strategies and plans to promote continuous improvement.
Director of Operations
Turkish Armed Forces
Kirklareli
08.2000 - 06.2002
- Oversaw day-to-day production activities in accordance with business objectives.
- Defined, implemented and revised operational policies and guidelines.
- Documented processes and drafted SOPs to comply with regulations and company policies.
- Achieved team goals through formalized training plans, coaching and performance management.
- Monitored and coordinated workflows to optimize resources.
Company Commander
Turkish Armed Forces
Vize/Kirklareli
07.1993 - 01.1997
- Conducted and oversaw interrogations, briefings and debriefings.
- Supervised manual and automated supply strategies, and connected with supply and data processing teams to facilitate communication and collaboration.
- Oversaw teams planning, implementing and realigning field and base operational strategies.
- Handled administrative requirements, maintained records and submitted operational reports.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve target results.
- Worked within applicable standards, policies and regulatory guidelines to promote safe working environment.
- Developed team communications and information for meetings.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Managed all aspects of administrative and personnel needs of ground supply operations.
Platoon Commander
Turkish Armed Forces
Erzurum
09.1988 - 06.1993
- Managed over $1000000 worth of equipment during garrison and deployment operations.
- Implemented necessary safety practices, proper firing commands and proper ammunition handling.
- Conducted personal and professional counseling, routine inspections and physical fitness tests.
- Trained, supervised and organized over 100 soldiers and personnel.
- Maintained health, welfare and combat readiness of personnel within platoon.
- Oversaw teams planning, implementing and realigning field and base operational strategies.
- Prepared and delivered investigative reports and briefings.
- Conducted and oversaw interrogations, briefings and debriefings.
- Confirmed environmental protection program compliance for spill prevention and contingency planning.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Military
Turkish Military Academy
Ankara 09.1983 - 08.1987
Master of Science - Military
Army War Collage
Istanbul 01.1997 - 07.2000
Master of Science - Military
Armed Forces Collage
Istanbul 01.2003 - 07.2003
Ph.D. - History
Firat University
Elazıg 06.2009 - 06.2012
Skills
History of Ottoman, Balkan, Middle East
Timeline
Assistant Professor of History
Istanbul Dogus University
02.2018 - Current
Assistant Professor of History
Istanbul Nisantasi University
06.2015 - 02.2018
Head of International Plato University
International Plato University
02.2013 - 12.2014
Assistant Professor
Istanbul Ayvansaray University
01.2013 - 06.2015
Commander of CBRN Training Center
Turkish Armed Foreces
07.2010 - 07.2012
Ph.D. - History
Firat University
06.2009 - 06.2012
Chief of Staff
Turkish Armed Forces
06.2008 - 06.2010
Head of the Department
NATO
07.2005 - 06.2008
Battalion Commander
NATO/EUROFORCE
05.2004 - 07.2005
Master of Science - Military
Armed Forces Collage
01.2003 - 07.2003
Logistic Planning Officer (Strategic Level)
Turkish General Staff
07.2002 - 05.2004
Director of Operations
Turkish Armed Forces
08.2000 - 06.2002
Master of Science - Military
Army War Collage
01.1997 - 07.2000
Company Commander
Turkish Armed Forces
07.1993 - 01.1997
Platoon Commander
Turkish Armed Forces
09.1988 - 06.1993
Bachelor of Science - Military
Turkish Military Academy
09.1983 - 08.1987