Colonel John C. Stratis graduated from the United States Military Academy and received his commission as a second lieutenant of Infantry in May 1980. His initial assignment was to the 82nd Airborne Division, where he served as Rifle Platoon Leader, Mortar Platoon Leader and Company Executive Officer in 3rd Battalion, 325th Infantry (Airborne). He was then assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), where he served as a Detachment Commander from 1983-1985. After graduation from the Infantry Officer's Advanced Course, he commanded a rifle company in 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry (Manchu), Republic of Korea. Following company command, he attended the Naval Postgraduate School and received a Master of Science degree in Operations Analysis.

Following an assignment to the TRADOC Analysis Center, Ft. Leavenworth, and attendance at the Command and General Staff College, his next assignment was as Battalion S-3 and Executive Officer in 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment (Air Assault), Ft. Campbell. Colonel Stratis returned to the 101st after serving at the Pentagon in the office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans and commanded 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment (Air Assault). Following command, Colonel Stratis was assigned to the Joint Readiness Training Center as an infantry battalion Observer/Controller followed by attendance at the United States Army War College. Upon graduation, Colonel Stratis served for two years as the Commander of Combat Support Coordination Team #3 in Yongin, Korea and is now serving in his present assignment as Inspector General for PACOM.

His military education includes the Infantry Officer's Basic and Advanced Courses; Air Assault, Airborne, Jumpmaster, Ranger, and Special Forces Schools, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the Army War College.

His awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Army Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army General Staff Identification Badge, Expert Infantryman's Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, and Ranger and Special Forces Tabs.

Colonel Stratis is married and has three children.