Col. Brian P. Duplessis

Col. Brian P. Duplessis joined Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 2 in July 2019 after service as the director operations and training, Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Atlantic. He originally enlisted in June 1986 and underwent recruit training at MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina. Following Infantry Training School, he served with Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines completing two UDP deployments to Okinawa and Operations Desert Shield/Storm.

Honorably discharged as a corporal in 1991, Col. Duplessis enrolled at Memphis State University and was commissioned upon graduation in August 1994. Following the Basic School and Field Artillery Officer Basic Course he joined Battery C, 1st Battalion, 12th Marines MCAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii where he served as a forward observer, fire direction officer, and battery executive officer. From 1995 - 1998, he completed two UDP deployments and was promoted to first lieutenant and captain.

In October 1998, Col. Duplessis transferred to MCRD San Diego, California where he served as the series commander and G-3 operations officer. While at MCRD he was selected to attend the Field Artillery Captains Career Course graduating in July 2001. Following graduation, Col. Duplessis joined 3rd Battalion, 11th Marines MCAGCC Twentynine Palms, California, commanding HQ Battery and Battery M through UDP deployment and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He next served as inspector instructor for Battery N, 5th Battalion, 14th Marines from 2003 – 2006. He was promoted to Major in 2004 and selected to attend Marine Corps Command and Staff College for academic year 2006 – 2007.

In June 2007, he reported to 3rd Marine Regiment where he served as the assistant operations officer and operations officer before transferring to 1st Battalion, 12th Marines where he served as the logistics officer and executive officer including combat deployment to Iraq. During 2009, Col. Duplessis was selected for lieutenant colonel promotion and command.

From June 2010 – June 2012, Col. Duplessis served as the inspector instructor for 2nd Battalion, 14th Marines, one of the Corps’ two HIMARS Battalions providing rocket batteries in support of combat operations in Afghanistan. During this period, he was selected to attend the Air War College from which he graduated in May 2013.

Col. Duplessis then joined the Joint Staff J7 Deployable Training Division serving from June 2013 – June 2016 as observer trainer, Fires and Effects Branch chief, and Deployable Training Team chief. In 2016, he was selected for promotion to colonel. In July 2016 he reported to III MEF, Okinawa Japan where he served as the current operations officer for the “Fight Tonight” MEF maintaining daily oversight of more than 150 exercises and engagements across the U.S. Pacific Command area of responsibility. 

Col. Duplessis was promoted to his current rank in June 2017. Personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Joint Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3), Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal (5 and Combat Distinguishing Device), Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.