Lieutenant Colonel Robert M. Hancock was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1996 upon his graduation from the Pennsylvania State University.
Following The Basic School and Infantry Officers Course, Lieutenant Colonel Hancock reported to 2d Battalion, 8th Marines, 2d Marine Division where he commanded a rifle platoon, weapons platoon, and the anti-armor platoon. During this tour he deployed to Okinawa as part of the Unit Deployment Program, and participated in security force operations in Port Au Prince, Haiti as part of Operation NEW HORIZONS.
From May 2000 to July 2003, he served as the Executive Officer of Marine Corps Recruiting Station Nashville, Tennessee, 6th Marine Corps District. He then attended the Expeditionary Warfare School in Quantico, Virginia, and following graduation served as the Tactics Officer In Charge at Officer Candidates School for the summer of 2004.
In September 2004, he joined 1st Battalion, 6th Marines and served as the Commanding Officer of Company B, and the Battalion Operations Officer. During this tour he twice deployed to Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.
Lieutenant Colonel Hancock attended the Marine Corps Command and Staff College from August 2007 to June 2008 where he earned his Masters in Military Studies. His next assignment ordered him to report for assignment as the Commanding Officer of Marine Corps Recruiting Station Buffalo, New York, 1st Marine Corps District.
In July 2011, he was assigned to 7th Marine Regiment as the Assistant Operations Officer. While serving with 7th Marines he was reassigned as the Future Operations Officer and deployed with the regimental staff to Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Upon his redeployment from Afghanistan in August 2013, Lieutenant Colonel Hancock assumed duties as the Regimental Operations Officer; which he performed until May 2014.
His personal awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal with “V” and gold star in lieu of second award, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.