Major Michael G. Hays attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with an NROTC scholarship, and received his commission in May 2000.   After completing The Basic School (TBS) in January 2001, Major Hays attended the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course (OBC) at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.   

Upon graduating from Fort Sill, he reported to Battery G, 2d Battalion, 11th Marines.  During this assignment, Major Hays served as Forward Observer, Fire Direction Officer, and Battery Executive Officer.  Following the events on September 11th, 2001, Battery G participated in Operation NOBLE EAGLE as part of I MEF’s homeland defense quick reaction force (QRF).  From July 2002 to June 2003, Major Hays deployed with Battery G to Okinawa, Japan and attached to BLT 2/4, 31st MEU(SOC). 
 
In January 2004, Major Hays reported to 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO).  Attending the Tactical Air Control Party course at EWTGPAC in June 2004, Major Hays received a secondary MOS of Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC).  While at 1st ANGLICO, Major Hays served as Firepower Control Team (FCT) Leader, 15th MEU ANGLICO detachment OIC, and Supporting Arms Liaison Team (SALT) OIC.  During this tour, Major Hays also attended the Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) training course in Warner Springs, CA, and the USAF AC-130 course at Hurlburt Field, Florida.

From July 2005 to March 2006, Major Hays deployed with 1st ANGLICO to the Al Anbar province of Iraq in support of OIF 04-06.2.  During this deployment he participated in combat operations with 3d Battalion, 6th Marines in Al Qaim, and later as Air Officer for 4th Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, USA, in Rawah.  Major Hays deployed again with 1st ANGLICO as the OIC for SALT Alpha in support of OIF 05-07.2 from August 2006 to March 2007.  During this period Major Hays performed the duties as both the Air Officer and Fire Support Coordinator for 3d Brigade, 1st Iraqi Army Division in Habbanyiah, Iraq. 

Upon completion of his tour with 1st ANGLICO, Major Hays was selected to attend Expeditionary Warfare School (EWS) in Quantico, Virginia and later received follow on orders to 1st Battalion, 11th Marines at Camp Pendleton, CA, serving temporarily at the Assistant Operations Officer.  In July 2008, Major Hays assumed command of Battery G, 2d Battalion, 11th Marines.   Following Battery Command, Major Hays served as the 2d Battalion, 11th Marines Operations Officer from April 2009 until April 2010. 

In April 2010 Major Hays was assigned to 1st Marine Regiment.   Serving as both Fire Support Coordinator and CIED Coordinator for Regimental Combat Team  One (RCT-1), Major Hays deployed to the Helmand Province of Afghanistan in support of OEF from October 2010 to May 2011.  

While deployed, Major Hays was selected to attend USMC Command and Staff College in Quantico where he graduated in June 2012, earning a Master’s Degree in Military Studies.  While at Command and Staff College, Major Hays was selected for command of Recruiting Station Montgomery Alabama and served as the Commanding Officer from June 2012 to June 2015.   In July 2015, Major Hays reported to 11th Marine Regiment and served as the Executive Officer for 1st Battalion, 11th Marines. In March 2016, Major Hays took command of 1st Battalion, 11th Marines. 

His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with gold star, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star and combat distinguishing device, and the Combat Action Ribbon.  Major Hays is a member of the Honorary Order of Saint Barbara, and the Order of the Golden Spur.