Our Roots
Founded by a Legend
Bailey Military Institute was established in 2001 by Aviation Hall of Fame member Major General John H. Bailey II, a decorated combat veteran, aviator, and lifelong champion of aerospace education.
Bailey Military Institute
Founded in 2001 by Aviation Hall of Fame member, General John H. Bailey II, Bailey Military Institute, BMI, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the goal to equip the next Generation air transportation system (NextGen) of aviation professionals to design, construct, process data, develop software, assess avionics, pilot, research, and manage the air transportation system.
The vision is to establish a workforce development initiative to prepare students for careers in airport management, air traffic control and the civilian use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS, Drone) technology. Ultimately establishing a nationally recognized aviation research center.
At BMI, our mission is to promote the responsible and innovative use of drone technology for the benefit of society. We believe that drones have the potential to transform a wide range of industries and applications, and we are committed to advancing the knowledge and skills of the next generation of drone professionals.
Through education, research, and collaboration, we aim to advance the safe and ethical use of drones, and to inspire and empower individuals and communities to embrace the power of this technology. We are dedicated to making a positive impact on the world and to promoting a bright future for drone technology and education.
Courtesy of Bailey Military Institute.
Major General
John Bailey II
Founder & Executive Director Emeritus
Major General Bailey was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the US Army on 10 May 1967, upon completion of Officer Candidate School at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. Upon receiving his commission he was reassigned to his old unit, the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, KY.
General Bailey’s overseas assignments include one tour of duty in Germany (1962–1965) and two tours of duty in Vietnam (1967–68 and 1971–72). His first tour was as platoon leader and company commander with the 101st Airborne Division; his second tour was as an Army Fixed Wing Aviator with the First Aviation Brigade, flying Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Search and Destroy Missions over South Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.
General Bailey spent the last twelve years of his military career in the Military Forces of the State of Texas, serving as S-3 of the 2nd Battalion 8th Brigade, Commander 8th Brigade, Deputy Commanding General for Operations and Training, and Commanding General of the State Guard.
His education includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, a Master’s Degree in Education Administration and Supervision from Alcorn State University, and he is a graduate of the Army’s Basic and Advanced Airborne Schools, Fixed Wing Aviators Course, Ordnance Officers Advance Course, and Command and General Staff College.
General Bailey currently serves as a member of the Adjutant General’s Board of Retired Executives, Chairman of the Board of Unified Veterans of America, National Guard Association of Texas, and the Board of Directors of the Aviation Science Department of Texas Southern University.
Courtesy of Bailey Military Institute.
ATP, Dr. Charles R. Glass
Executive Director
Dr. Glass is a professional aviator and educator with a broad outlook on developing students using interdisciplinary techniques and approaches. His professional goal is to strengthen the training, planning, and designing of new methodologies that stimulate student interest in career opportunities in aviation and other related S.T.E.M. fields.
He is a creative, result-oriented professional with solid accomplishments in leadership, management, aviation, education, research, training, consulting, and audio/video productions. He is also an Eagle Scout, former Navy Officer, Eastern Airlines pilot, commercial drone pilot, and university professor.
Dr. Glass has received funding from the Office of Naval Research, Texas Department of Transportation, Transportation Research Board, U.S. Coast Guard, and the Department of Education to develop innovative strategies to recruit, retain, and graduate students into S.T.E.M. related careers. Over 400 individuals from our community are functioning as aviation professionals around the globe as a result of his collaborations with faculty, administrators, students, and stakeholders.
“I have a heart to make a difference in the lives of diverse communities and will reach out to likeminded stakeholders to help us build a broad pathway to success.”
John Bailey Institute operates as Bailey Military Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation founded in 2001 and based in Houston, Texas.