Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article


Brigadier General
Dennis J. Hejlik
Commanding General, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command

Brigadier General Hejlik is the Commanding General, U. S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command.

BGen Hejlik enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1968, and was honorably discharged as a sergeant in 1972. He graduated from Mankato State University in 1975, and was commissioned a second lieutenant through the Platoon Leaders Class Program.

Upon completion of The Basic School in December 1975, Second Lieutenant Hejlik reported to 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, where he served as a rifle and weapons platoon commander, assistant operations officer, Commanding Officer, Company E, and regimental assistant operations officer. In July 1978, First Lieutenant Hejlik transferred to the 3rd Marine Division where he served as the aide-de-camp to the Commanding General. In May 1983, he was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines where he served as Commanding Officer, Weapons Company, and later as the battalion Logistics Officer (S-4). During Operation Desert Storm he served with the G-3, I MEF. In June 1993, he transferred to the 2nd Marine Division and served as the G-1A until assuming command of 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines in November 1993 and in 1996 served as the Executive Officer of the 2d Marine Regiment. In July 1997, he assumed command of Marine Barracks, Washington, DC. In July of 2004 he assumed command of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade at Camp Pendleton, CA. In October 2005 he assumed command of the U. S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command currently at Quantico, VA.

In July of 1979 First Lieutenant Hejlik reported to Marine Barracks, Yorktown, VA where he served as a platoon commander and guard officer. Subsequently, Captain Hejlik attended the Amphibious Warfare School in Quantico, Virginia. In May 1986, Major Hejlik was transferred to the Marine Corps Combat Development Command, Quantico, Virginia, as a Tactics Instructor at Amphibious Warfare School. From 1989 to 1990, he attended the Marine Corps Command and Staff College. Following graduation, he transferred to Headquarters Marine Corps, for duty with the Enlisted Assignment Section, Manpower and Reserve Affairs. From 1992 to 1993, Lieutenant Colonel Hejlik attended the Naval War College where he received a Masters of Science Degree in National Security Strategy. In January 1996, he transferred to Headquarters Marine Corps for assignment as the Senior Military Fellow with the Council on Foreign Relations. He was assigned as the Military Secretary to the Commandant of the Marine Corps in July 1999. Beginning in 2001 he served as the Principal Director for Special Operations and Combating Terrorism in SOLIC/OSD. In October of 2002, he transferred to U.S. Special Operations Command, for duties as Chief of Staff and Director of the Center for Command Support. In August 2003, he was reassigned as Director, Center for Policy, Training and Readiness, U.S. Special Operations Command. Brigadier General Hejlik was then appointed as Deputy Commanding General, I Marine Expeditionary Force and Commanding General,1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade.

BGen Hejlik's personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal with Gold Star, Legion of Merit with Gold Star, Meritorious Service Medal with two Gold Stars, Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and the Leftwich Award.


(Current as of November 30 2005)


highres.jpg

lowres.jpg

1 posted on 01/07/2006 8:15:02 PM PST by A.A. Cunningham
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies ]


To: All
Behind the Corps' about-face was a growing need to beef up and replenish special operations forces in the midst of draining wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the continuing terrorist threat, along with a strong push for the Marines to get with the program from Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld.

Then too, there was the selection of Marine Gen. Peter Pace as C,JCS that also helped things along in the desired direction.

2 posted on 01/07/2006 8:26:35 PM PST by SamKeck
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ]

To: A.A. Cunningham
The real concern that underlies this is an elitist society emerging in the Corps. The Corps has been able to safeguard against this mentality even in the face of recon, but this will be a new test.
3 posted on 01/07/2006 8:33:36 PM PST by lt.america (Captain was already taken)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ]

To: A.A. Cunningham

Great post. Thanks.


6 posted on 01/07/2006 9:15:31 PM PST by Marine_Uncle (Honor must be earned)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson