John B. Atkinson

Associate Professor College of Maritime Operational Warfare

Col., U.S. Marine Corps, Retired

Biography

Retired Marine Colonel with over 28 years of operational & combat experience. Undergraduate matriculation from Boston College. Commands include Assault Amphibian (AA) Platoon, Company, Battalion, and independent Colonel Command. Deployments include in support of NEO, SC, HA/DR, NATO operations, & two Iraq combat tours ~ one as a foreign combat advisor. Senior staff tours include Chief, Global Force Management & Chief, Current Operations, USEUCOM; Portfolio Manager / Director Fires & Maneuver Integration, HQMC; & Senior Planner, Future Concepts, HQMC. A DG of the USMC Amphibious Warfare School, Command & Staff College, and U.S. Naval War College. Holds two Master’s Degrees w/ Distinction.

Contact Information

(401) 856-5812

John.Atkinson@usnwc.edu

Areas of Expertise

Amphibious Warfare
COIN
Command and Control
Foreign Policy
Joint Operations
Leadership
Littoral Warfare
Military Theory
National Security
Operational Warfare

Professional Highlights

2020

Adjunct Professor, College of Maritime Operational Warfare

Member of world class faculty responsible for teaching Maritime and Operational level of war and planning to Naval officers.

2019

Future Concepts, Combat Development & Integration, Headquarters, US Marine Corps

Subject Matter Expert in Future Concept visualization, planning, and articulation. Professional writing & editing including Capstone & Operational concepts, articles for publication, Naval & Joint Strategic conceptual & doctrinal publications, and senior inter-service & interagency presentations.

2017

Commanding Officer, Headquarters & Service Battalion, Quantico

Responsible for all facets of mission accomplishment and leadership for 2,600 Marines, sailors, and 11,000 family members. Directly supported 8 Deputy Commandant & General Officer level staffs; enabled their ability meet their vast and varied Title X, United States Code responsibilities.

2015

Capability Portfolio Manager/Director, Fires & Maneuver Integration Division, Headquarters, US Marine Corps

Responsible for planning, management, & execution of $8.3B Marine Corps Capability Development, Sustainment, and Investment Portfolio. Senior Strategic Planner & Force Designer.

2013

Director, Current Operations, US European Command

Ensured joint and combined warfighting capability via operational directives, plans, orders, training, and exercises. Responsible for the coordination and promulgation of information and requirements between national command authorities, the Joint Staff, NATO and all subordinate components.

2011

Director, Global Force Management, US European Command

Responsible for the identification, articulation of United States European Command assigned, allocated, and apportioned force requirements in support of Global, Theater Campaign, Operational, Contingency Plans, and other POTUS/SECDEF requirements. Directed USEUCOM EXORDS, DEPORDS, GFMAP, & TPFDD.

2007

Commanding Officer, Assault Amphibian Schools, Training & Education Command, Headquarters US Marine Corps

Formal school Director and Commanding Officer. Responsible for all US Marine Corps Assault Amphibian formal education, training, and Military Occupational Specialty standards and continuum implementation.

2006

Foreign Combat Advisor (Team Leader), Al Anbar Province, Iraq

Leader of embedded combat advisor team with 3d Brigade, 7th Iraqi Army, Al Qaim, Al Anbar Province Iraq.

2005

Chief of Plans, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force

Senior planner for all 1st Marine Division operations and plans, to include operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Education

M.A., U.S. Naval War College, National Security Strategy and Policy (w/ Distinction)

M.A., U.S. Marine Corps University, Military Studies (w/ Distinction)

B.A., Boston College, Political Science

Research Contributions and Publications

Publications by this Professor

Awards and Decorations

Legion of Merit
Two Awards

Bronze Star

Defense Meritorious Service Medal

Joint Service Commendation Medal

Joint Service Achievement Medal
Two Medals

Meritorious Service Medal
Two Medals

Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal
Two Medals

Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal

External Memberships and Associations

Statecraft Fellow

Amphibious Tractor Association & Memorial 501 (c)3
National Commander

Assault Amphibian Memorial & Association
Chairman

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