Biography

Mark Carlton attended Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, New Mexico, where he received a BA in Political Science and a BA in History.  He received his commission in 1996 through the Platoon Leaders Course (combined).   Upon graduation from The Basic School and Infantry Officers Course, 2nd Lieutenant Carlton reported to 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division where he served as a Rifle Platoon Commander and Company Executive officer from 1997-2000.  He conducted a deployment with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit to the Western Pacific and participated in Exercise BRIGHT STAR in Egypt.   In April of 2000, 1st Lieutenant Carlton reported to Weapons Training Battalion, Quantico, Virginia where he served as the Battalion's Assistant Operations Officer and later as the Officer In Charge, US Marine Corps Shooting Teams.

In May 2003, Captain Carlton was assigned as the Commanding Officer, Company F, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines.  He conducted a 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit deployment in this capacity and deployed to Ar-Ramadi, Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.  Following company command, Captain Carlton reported to the Expeditionary Warfare School in 2005.

Following Expeditionary Warfare School, Captain Carlton was selected as a Congressional Fellow to the United States Senate.  In 2007, he worked on Senator Edward M. Kennedy's staff as the Military Legislative Assistant.  Following the fellowship, he was assigned to serve as the Legislative Affairs Officer for the Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration.   In May 2009, Major Carlton was reported to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines where he served as the Operations Officer during a deployment with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and as the Executive Officer during a deployment to Sangin, Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.    In June 2010, Major Carlton transferred to Manpower Management, Officer Assignments in Quantico Virginia where he served as the monitor for combat arms majors.  Later, he served as the Plans and Policy Officer within Manpower Management.  

Lieutenant Colonel Carlton's personal decorations include the Bronze Star with "V" and 1 x gold star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal with 1 x gold star, Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy/ Marine Corps Achievement Medal with x gold star, and the Combat Action Ribbon.