Lieutenant Colonel Keegan R. Kinkade was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps upon graduation from the United States Naval Academy in May 2010. Following commissioning, he earned a Master of Engineering in Robotics from the University of Michigan before completing The Basic School and the Infantry Officer Course in Quantico, Virginia.
Lieutenant Colonel Kinkade then reported to Weapons Company, 2d Battalion, 5th Marines aboard Camp Pendleton, California. He deployed with Battalion Landing Team 2/5 in support of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, serving as the battalion's 81mm Mortar Platoon Commander as well as the Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel Force Commander. Following deployment, he served as the battalion’s Assistant Operations Officer before assuming command of Fox Company. As Fox Company Commander, he deployed with Battalion Landing Team 2/5 in support of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, where the company served as the battalion’s small boat raid force.
In February 2016, Lieutenant Colonel Kinkade was assigned to the Marine Corps Tactics and Operations Group at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, where he served as the Exercise Control Officer in Charge, responsible for planning and executing tactical exercises in support of deploying Marine Air-Ground Task Force staffs. During this assignment, he completed the Tactical Marine Air-Ground Task Force Integration Course and Expeditionary Warfare School by distance education.
Lieutenant Colonel Kinkade then reported to 1st Battalion, 5th Marines aboard Camp Pendleton, California, in March 2018. Prior to arrival, he completed Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One’s Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona. He subsequently deployed with Battalion Landing Team 1/5 in support of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, commanding Weapons Company and serving as the battalion's Fire Support Coordinator. Following company command, he served as the battalion’s Operations Officer, where he led battalion operations during the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force—Customs and Border Protection mission along the Southwest Border. He then directed the battalion during the unit's deployment in support of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. While assigned to the battalion, he completed Command and Staff College by distance education.
In June 2022, Lieutenant Colonel Kinkade assumed command of Recruiting Station Phoenix. Upon completion of recruiting duty in July 2025, he was assigned as the Operations Officer for the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, where he led the unit’s pre-deployment training program.
Lieutenant Colonel Kinkade assumed command of 1st Battalion, 7th Marines in August 2026.