Biography

Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines
Lieutenant Colonel J.A. Wagner

LtCol Jonathan Wagner is a native of Liverpool, PA. In January 2002, he attended boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island and subsequently reported for Marine Combat Training at Camp Geiger, NC. 
 
In August 2002, LCpl Wagner graduated from Nuclear Biological Chemical (NBC) Defense School at Fort Leanord Wood, MO and reported to Charlie Company, 4th Landing Support Battalion, Charleston, SC. While concurrently attending The Citadel, he served as the Battalion's NBC Defense Specialist.In May 2006, 2ndLt Wagner graduated from the Citadel with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and a Minor in Spanish. He subsequently attended The Basic School and Infantry Officers Course in Quantico, VA. 
In July 2007, 2ndLt Wagner reported to 1st Battalion 9th Marines in Camp Lejeune, NC. He served as a Rifle and Weapons Platoon Commander in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 8.1 and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). During this period, he participated in Operation Unified Response, Haiti.
 
In September 2010, Capt Wagner reported for duty at Marine Barracks Washington (MBW). He served as Student Services Division OIC, Marine Corps Institute; Executive Officer, Headquarters and Service (H&S) Company; and Platoon Commander, Company B. While at MBW, he supported ceremonial events at Arlington National Cemetery, the 2013 Inauguration Ceremony of President Barrack Obama, and the Change of Command for the 34th and 35th Commandants of the Marine Corps. In 2012 he graduated from the Expeditionary Warfare School (non-resident) and received a Master of Arts in International Commerce and Public Policy from George Mason University. 
 
In October 2013, Capt Wagner assumed command of H&S Company, 2nd Battalion 1st Marines. He deployed in support of the 11th MEU. Upon return, he assumed command of Company E, and deployed with the 13th MEU. During this period, he participated in joint and bilateral training exercises Red Reef 16, SSang Yong 16, and Eager Lion 16. 
 
In 2016, Maj Wagner was selected to serve as a Department of Defense Congressional Fellow and reported to the Marine Corps Office of Legislative Affairs. In January of 2017, he reported for duty as the Congressional Fellow in the office of Representative Michael Turner (OH-10). In January 2018, he transferred to Plans, Policies, and Operations (PP&O), Ground Combat Element (GCE) Branch. He served as the GCE Advocate for C2, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), and counter-UAS; as well as the Legislative Liaison and Staff Secretary for DC, PP&O. During this period, he graduated from Marine Corps Command and Staff (non-resident). 
 
In August of 2020, Maj Wagner assumed duties as Executive Officer, 1st Battalion 1st Marines and deployed with the 11th MEU. Following re-deployment, in July 2022, he assumed duties as Operations Officer, 11th MEU. From July 2022 to March 2024, LtCol Wagner served with the 11th MEU Command Element and deployed as Marine Rotational Force-Southeast Asia. He assumed his current duties in March of 2024.

 
1st Marine Division