Andrew E. Terrell grew up in Tampa, Florida and graduated from Virginia Tech in 2002, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Geography.
He completed three combat deployments to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with 1st Battalion, 5th Marines. As an exchange officer with the British Royal Marines, he deployed with 40 Commando to Helmand Province, Afghanistan as part of Operation Herrick 7. He commanded Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, during two deployments to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He later commanded 1st Battalion, 5th Marines as the Battalion Landing Team for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. He currently serves as the commanding officer of the 7th Marine Regiment and as commander of Task Force Ripper in support of Joint Task Force-Southern Border.
Colonel Terrell’s staff assignments include service as the 1st Marine Division Current Operations Officer and as a Cross-Functional Team Lead for the Joint Task Force - Special Reconnaissance Enabling Command at United States Special Operations Command.
His supporting establishment assignments include command of Recruiting Station Detroit, Michigan, and service as Charlie Company Inspector-Instructor and Operations Officer for 4th Reconnaissance Battalion.
Colonel Terrell is a graduate of The Basic School, the Infantry Officer's Course, the British Royal Marine All Arms Commando Course, Expeditionary Warfare School, and a distinguished graduate from the Israeli National Defense College. He holds a Master of Business Administration from New England College and a Master of Political Science from the University of Haifa.
His personal awards include the Bronze Star Medal with "V" device and two gold stars, the Purple Heart, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with three gold stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with "V" device, and the Combat Action Ribbon with one gold star.