A native of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, LtCol McGinley was commissioned in December of 1998 upon graduation from the Virginia Military Institute (VMI). Following The Basic School and the Infantry Officer’s Course, he was assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Marines from Dec 1999 until May 2002, where he served as a Weapons Platoon Commander, Combined Anti-Armor Team Platoon Commander, and Headquarters and Service Company Commander. During this tour he deployed to the Pacific with the 31st MEU, and also participated in Operation NOBLE EAGLE in 2001.
In May 2002, LtCol McGinley was assigned to 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO) where he served as a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) and Team Leader for Firepower Team Leader (FCT) 6, the ANGLICO S-4, and 2d Brigade Platoon Commander. During this tour he deployed to Iraq twice – once with 40 Commando Group, Royal Marines and once in support of the 13th MEU – and participated in combat operations throughout southern and central Iraq.
Following Expeditionary Warfare School in 2006, LtCol McGinley reported to 2d Battalion, 1st Marines, where he served as a Rifle Company Commander, Weapons Company Commander, and Battalion S-3 from 2006 until 2009. He made an extended 31st MEU deployment throughout the Western Pacific, serving as both a Rifle and Weapons Company Commander. Following redeployment, he served as the Battalion S-3 and deployed as part of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM 09.1, serving in Ninewah and Al Anbar Provinces, Iraq.
Selected for the resident schooling, LtCol McGinley attended the College of Naval Command and Staff, graduating in 2010 and executing orders to both a Joint SOF Command and a SOF component before assuming his current billet. LtCol McGinley holds a Bachelor’s Degree from VMI, and a Master’s Degree in National Security Studies.
A qualified military parachutist, LtCol McGinley is a distinguished graduate of both the Expeditionary Warfare School and the College of Naval Command and Staff. Additionally, he is a graduate of the Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) course, and several specialized individual training courses. LtCol McGinley’s personal awards include the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon.