Nathan S. Willis

Military Professor National Security Affairs
Lt. Col., U.S. Marine Corps
Nathan S. Willis faculty photo

Biography

Lt. Col. Willis is a military professor in the National Security Affairs Department. He enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves in 2000 and served as an infantry Marine until he received a commission in 2004. Lt. Col. Willis has served over 20 years as a reconnaissance and intelligence officer. He commanded at the platoon, company, and battalion level with five deployments to the Middle East and North Africa. His experience includes tours with U.S. Marine Forces Special Operations Command and Headquarters Marine Corps. Lt. Col. Willis is a graduate of the College of Naval Command and Staff and the College of Naval Warfare at the U.S. Naval War College.

Areas of Expertise

  • Amphibious Warfare
  • Irregular Warfare
  • Leadership

Professional Highlights

2021

Commanding Officer

1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, CA.
2020

Reconnaissance Section Head

Ground Combat Element Branch, Operations Division, Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies, and Operations, HQMC.
2018

Intelligence Officer

Marine Raider Regiment, U.S. Marine Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, NC. Deployed with Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Served as Executive Officer, Marine Raider Regiment in 2020.
2017

Company Commander

2d Marine Raider Support Battalion, Marine Raider Support Group, U.S. Marine Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, NC.
2014

Company Commander

Force Reconnaissance Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, NC. Deployed as the Maritime Raid Force Commander, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit in 2015.
2012

Company Commander

2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, NC. Deployed as the first Ground Combat Element Commander, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response [Africa] in 2013.

Education

M.A., U.S. Naval War College, 2024, National Security and Strategic Studies, with Highest Distinction

M.A., U.S. Naval War College, 2017, Defense and Strategic Studies, with Distinction

B.A., The Ohio State University, 2004, Criminology

Awards and Decorations

Captain James T. Larkin Award
U.S. Naval War College, 2024

External Memberships and Associations

Force Recon Association

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