Bradley  “Top” Crawford serves as Commander and Senior Advisor Trainer of the Tactical Combat Advisory Group (TCAG). He spent almost 20 years in the U.S. Army, serving in the infantry and as a combat advisor alongside Special Forces. His background spans infantry leadership, intelligence, operations, unit training, and military advising, experience he now applies to TCAG’s work supporting Ukraine.

Crawford entered the Army at age 17. His assignments included the 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, the “Big Red One.” He served as a rifleman, weapons squad leader, Bradley Fighting Vehicle commander, and platoon sergeant, and temporarily held acting first sergeant responsibilities. These roles established his foundation in leading soldiers, developing leaders, and maintaining unit readiness.

His subsequent assignments included Battalion Intelligence Chief (BIC) within battalion S2, battalion operations sergeant, and brigade assistant operations sergeant within brigade S3. He supported intelligence, operations, and training requirements for a battalion of 864 soldiers and a brigade of approximately 5,500 soldiers. These responsibilities gave him experience translating operational requirements into coordinated training and preparation across larger formations.

A certified military instructor, Crawford served as an Observer Controller Trainer at the National Training Center (NTC) and Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC), later assuming senior training responsibilities. He observed units during demanding exercises, evaluated performance, coached leaders, and conducted after action reviews. Through this work, he helped brigades from across the Army identify shortfalls, improve coordination, and prepare for deployment.

Crawford’s military advisory experience included service with the 1st Battalion, 353rd Infantry Regiment, where his work focused on training and preparing military advisors. His background in security force assistance reflects the partner development and advisory mission carried forward by the Army’s Security Force Assistance Brigades (SFAB): building relationships, understanding a partner’s requirements, and helping that organization develop its own capabilities.

Across five combat tours and more than 20 military schools, Crawford developed a broad foundation in military leadership and instruction. Following his medical retirement, he continued as a civilian instructor, training law enforcement personnel and military members before traveling to Ukraine.

In 2022, Crawford traveled to Ukraine and helped establish TCAG. He has since applied his military and civilian instructional experience to soldier training, instructor development, unit and staff advising, and professional military education alongside Ukrainian personnel.

As commander, Crawford emphasizes practical instruction, accountability, professional standards, and trusted partnerships. His priority is to develop leaders and instructors who can strengthen their organizations, pass on their knowledge, and sustain progress beyond any individual training engagement.

Tip of the Spear.

Facta Non Verba.

Actions, Not Words.