Major John D. O’Connell graduated from the University of North Florida in 2007 with a B.A. in criminal justice. He entered into military service in 2007 and was commissioned through the Platoon Leaders Course program. He was assigned to alpha company at the basic school and follow on training at the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course, Fort Sill, OK and was designated a field artillery officer.
For his first fleet marine force (FMF) tour, he was assigned to Battery R, 5th Battalion, 11th Marines in Camp Pendleton, CA from 2008 to 2011 serving as platoon commander and executive officer. While in Battery R, 5/11, he deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 9.2. He was frocked to the rank captain on 5 December 2010 and ended his tenure at 11th Marines by serving as the executive officer, Headquarters Battery, 11th Marines.
In July of 2011, Major O’Connell was assigned to 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company. While assigned to 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, he deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 12.1 and Operation Enduring Freedom 13.2, both times as a fire power control team leader. He attended U.S. Army Field Artillery Captain’s Career Course in July of 2014.
Upon completion of career course, Major O’Connell was assigned to 2d Battalion, 10th Marines. There he served as 3d Battalion, 8th Marines fire support officer and deployed to Spain in support of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Africa. Upon redeployment, he was assigned as commanding officer Battery K, 1st Battalion, 10th Marines.
In July 2017, Major O’Connell was assigned to 75th Ranger Regiment as the Marine fire support exchange officer. While there, he served as a special operations forces joint terminal attack controller instructor and evaluator and deployed twice in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinal. Both times as a joint special operations fire support officer.
In July 2019, Major O’Connell reported to 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, having served as platoon commander and operations officer. He is currently serving as the executive officer.
Personal military awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal with “C” device, the Joint Service Achievement Medal with “C” device, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with combat distinguishing device, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Combat Action ribbon. Major O’Connell has also earned the Naval Parachutist’s badge.