Colonel Counihan, USAR, is the US Army Reserve Senior Policy Advisor to the Chairman of the Reserve Forces Policy Board (RFPB) in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Washington, D.C. The Reserve Forces Policy Board serves as an independent adviser to the Secretary of Defense, providing advice and recommendations to the Secretary on strategies, policies, and practices designed to improve and enhance the capabilities, efficiency and effectiveness of the seven Reserve components. 

Colonel Counihan (originally from Norwich, CT) received his commission as a Transportation Officer from the University of West Florida in 1995.  He holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Physical Education from the University of West Florida; Graduate Certificate (Pre-MBA) in Logistics Management from Northeastern University in Boston, MA; Master in Business Administration (MBA) from Webster University in St Louis, MO; and a Master of Science in Joint Campaign Planning & Strategy from the National Defense University (JAWS). 

Sean’s previous assignments include: Executive Officer to the Assistant Chief of the Army Reserve, Office of the Chief of the Army Reserve; Joint Plans Officer, U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM), Stuttgart, Germany; Deputy Director – West Region, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR); G-35 Strategic Plans Officer, Office of the Chief, Army Reserve; Commander, 724^th Transportation Company (Hybrid) (mobilized in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 09-10); Support Operations Plans Officer, 310^th Expeditionary Sustainment Command; G3 Operations Officer, 8^th Army CONUS Detachment and other company grade Leadership and Staff Officer positions.

His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2), Meritorious Service Medal (3), Army Commendation Medal (6), Army Achievement Medal (2), National Defense Service Medal (with bronze star), Army Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (with “M” device and silver hourglass), Army Reserve Component Ribbon, Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Air Force Honor Graduate Ribbon, Air Force Basic Military Training Ribbon, Navy Presidential Unit Citation, Army Staff Badge, Parachutist Badge and Air Assault Badge.

Colonel Counihan is married to the former Tecia M. Scherer of Lockport, NY, has one son (Brendan - 34), three stepchildren (Tyler - 38, Tricia - 36, Nicholas - 27), and four grandchildren (Maleeya – 11, Eleeyah – 2, Charlotte – 2, and Alexander - 2 mos.).

(As of April 2023)