Biography

A native of Alabama, LtCol Birchfield served as an enlisted Infantryman in the Marine Corps Reserves from 1995-1999 before receiving a commission in 1999 following graduation from Auburn University.

Upon graduation of the the Infantry Officer’s Course in 2000, he was assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Marines serving as a Rifle Platoon Commander and CAAT Platoon Commander.  During this tour he completed two deployments, the first in support of the Unit Deployment Program to Okinawa, Japan, and the second in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.

Following his first tour in the operational forces, LtCol Birchfield was assigned to ITB, SOI-E where he served as Alpha and H&I Company Commander.

In 2006, LtCol Birchfield was assigned to Marine Advisor Detachment 1-7, deploying in support Operation ENDURING FREEDOM serving as Company Advisor Team Leader for 3d Company, Commando Kandak, Afghanistan National Army.

From 2007-2010, LtCol Birchfield was assigned to 3d Battalion, 2d Marines.  He completed three deployments with 3/2, the first in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, and two with the 22d MEU serving as the Assistant Operations Officer, Operations Officer, and Rifle Company Commander.

LtCol Birchfield was then assigned as the Commanding Officer, Marine Corps Recruiting Station Frederick, Maryland.  Following his successful recruiting tour he was assigned to the 26th MEU serving as the Assistant Operations Officer and Operations Officer. During this tour, he completed two deployments with the 26th MEU, the first in support of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Crisis Response Africa, and the second embarked aboard the KEARSARGE ARG.

LtCol Birchfield’s most recent assignment was as the Operations Officer, 1st Marine Corps District.

LtCol Birchfield attended the Army Infantry Captain’s Career Course in 2007, and graduated from the Marine Corps Command and Staff College in 2014.