Lieutenant Colonel James Arnold assumed the duties of Commanding Officer, 3d Littoral Anti-Air Battalion on December 3, 2021.
LtCol Arnold graduated from Auburn University and was commissioned via the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps into the Marine Corps in May 2006.
LtCol Arnold’s Fleet Marine Force assignments and billets include: Platoon Commander, Task Force Guardian, 2d Marine Division from 2007-2008; Close Battle Coordinator, Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 28 from 2008-2009; Battery Commander, 2d Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion from 2009-2010; Operations Officer, 3d Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion from 2014-2016; Aviation Command and Control Officer, Fleet Marine Forces Pacific, 2021.
LtCol Arnold deployed in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM 07.2 and 09.1, and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM/RESOLUTE SUPPORT MISSION 16.2.
LtCol Arnold’s staff and joint assignments include: Ground Based Air Defense Division Head, Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One from 2011-2014; Strategic Advisor, Commander’s Action Group, Headquarters Resolute Support Mission, 2016-2017; Ground Based Air Defense Advocate, Headquarters Marine Corps, Aviation from 2017-2020.
LtCol Arnold is a graduate of the Expeditionary Warfare School, distance education program; the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, distance education program; the Naval Command and Staff College, Naval War College; Basic Airborne Course; and Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course.
LtCol Arnold’s degrees include a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Auburn University; a Master of Public Administration (with honors) from George Washington University; and a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies (highest distinction) from the Naval War College.
LtCol Arnold’s personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars in lieu of third award, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two gold stars in lieu of third award.