LTC Jennifer Jantzi was born and raised in Buffalo, NY. After graduating high school, she attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Psychology.  Following graduation from West Point in 2006, she was commissioned into the Corps of Engineers as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army.

Following graduation, Jennifer was stationed in Schweinfurt, Germany, 9^th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1^st Infantry Division. From there, she deployed to Iraq in 2007 as an Engineer Platoon Leader in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2008-2009, Jennifer deployed back to Iraq with the 172nd Infantry Brigade as a Company Executive Officer and Brigade Engineer Officer.

In 2010, Jennifer returned to the United States, where she attended Civil Affairs Qualification Course in Fort Bragg, NC. Following transition to the Civil Affairs Branch and language training in Pashto, Jennifer deployed as a Civil Affairs Team Leader in 2012-2013 to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2014, she took command of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 95th Civil Affairs Brigade (Airborne).  Following command, Jennifer was assigned as the Civil Affairs Officer in 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. In 2015, she deployed to Baghdad, Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

In 2018, Jennifer took command of Charlie Company, 98th Civil Affairs Battalion in Fort Bragg, NC, deployed the company to South America, and was subsequently assigned as the Battalion Executive Officer. In 2021, Jennifer transitioned to 18th Airborne Corps, where she was assigned to the G35, Future Operations, and supported the evacuation of civilians out of Afghanistan. In January 2022, she deployed to Europe in support of operations in Ukraine to counter Russian Aggression. While deployed, she was assigned as the Aide-de-Camp to the Corps Commanding General. She most recently deployed back to Europe in May 2023 in support of the evacuation of civilians out of Sudan. In July 2023, LTC Jantzi transitioned to the 18^th Airborne Corps Secretary of the General Staff (SGS).

In May 2024, she took command of the 1^st Battalion, 13^th Infantry Regiment, where her leadership resulted in over 8,000 new American Soldiers joining the ranks of the US Army. In July 2026, LTC Jantzi was assigned as the Professor of Military Science at Cornell University, where she currently serves.

Family Members: She is married to Thomas Schlichter, and they have three children, Wyatt (7), Cole (5), and Lucy (2).

Civilian School: Master’s Degree in Defense Analysis from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA.

Military Schools: Sapper School, Airborne School, Jumpmaster School, Air Assault School and SERE School. Her most notable awards include the Bronze Star Medal (2 OLCs), Meritorious Service Medal (4 OLCs), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Combat Action Badge, and the Senior Parachutist Badge.