Brent Cantrell

Lieutenant Colonel Brent Cantrell enlisted in the Delayed Entry Program (DEP) in August of 1997 and started USN Basic Training in August 1998. In 1999 he was appointed by the Secretary of the Navy as a member of the United States Naval Academy (USNA) class of 2003. Upon graduation from the USNA in May of 2003 he was commissioned a 2ndLt in the USMC.

After completing The Basic Officers and Basic Communications Officers Courses in 2003, LtCol Cantrell was
assigned to 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (1st MAW). While at 1st MAW he served as Communications Platoon Commander for Marine Air Control Squadron 4 and as the Data Platoon Commander for Marine Wing Communication Squadron 18.

In July 2006, LtCol Cantrell reported to the command element of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (13th MEU) where he served for three years as the assistant Communications Officer. While on the 13th MEU LtCol Cantrell deployed on two western pacific and one Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force deployment.

In July 2009, LtCol Cantrell left the operating forces and was assigned to the staff of The Basic School (TBS) Quantico, VA. While at the TBS LtCol Cantrell served as a Warfighting Instructor, Staff Platoon Commander, and Student Company Executive Officer. Upon completing his tour at TBS LtCol Cantrell attended resident Expeditionary Warfare School (EWS).

Upon graduation EWS LtCol Cantrell was assigned to the J6, Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). While at JSOC LtCol Cantrell served as a J6 Operations Officer for a Three-Star Joint Task Force that supported Operations ENDURING FREEDOM, INHERENT RESOLVE, and other global contingency operations. He augmented a Joint Task force and deployed as the J6 to stand up Operation Gallant Phoenix. Upon completing his tour at JSOC LtCol Cantrell attended Air Command and Staff College (ACSC) in Maxwell AFB, Alabama.

Upon graduating ACSC LtCol Cantrell was assigned to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (24thMEU) Command Element and served as the Communications Officer from July 2017 to October 2019. While on the 24th MEU LtCol Cantrell deployed in support of Exercise TRIDENT JUNCTURE-2018 and as the S6 for the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Crisis Response Africa. Upon being promoted to his current rank LtCol Cantrell was transferred to the II MEF HQ’s staff from November 2019-May 2020 where he served as the II MEF G6 Plans Officer.

In June 2020 LtCol Cantrell assumed command or Region 4, Marine Corps Embassy Security Group (MCESG) where he was responslible for the discipline, morale, welfare, and administrative support for Marine Security Guards in South America, Canada, and Western Europe.

Upon completion of his tour at MCESG he assumed command of Joint Task Force Five, Cyber National Mission Force. He led a Joint Task Force of 200 Soilders, Sailors, Marines, and civilians who were responsible for protecting the U.S. Elections and Critical Cyber infrastructure from attacks by Malicious Cyber Actors.