Christopher Maginnis

Capt Maginnis enlisted in the Marine Corps on December 12, 2004 and attended Recruit Training at MCRD San Diego, California.  Upon completion, Capt Maginnis attended the basic Marine Combat Training (MCT), at Camp Pendleton, California.

In April 2005, Capt Maginnis reported to Marine Corps Engineer School Courthouse Bay, Camp Lejeune to receive training as a Hygiene Equipment Operator. Following his training Capt Maginnis received orders to Okinawa, Japan.

In July 2005, Capt Maginnis reported into Marine Wing Support Squadron 172 where he served as Hygiene Equipment Operator, Water Section Chief, and Platoon Sergeant. In December 2005, he was meritoriously promoted to Lance Corporal. In December 2006, he was promoted to Corporal. During his tour in Okinawa Capt Maginnis attended Corporals Course and was selected as the Honor Graduate from his class. In October 2007, Capt Maginnis was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

In March 2008, Capt Maginnis deployed with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172 to Al Asad, Iraq and served as the Utilities Platoon Sergeant, and Camp Commandant. He received a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his actions during this period. In April 2009, Capt Maginnis received orders to Drill Instructor School in San Diego, CA.

In July 2009, Capt Maginnis, upon graduation from Drill Instructor’s School, was assigned to 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, Company H. During this period, he served as a Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, and Chief Drill Instructor. Capt Maginnis had five Honor Platoons, and also received the Moral Leadership Award. He was meritoriously promoted to Staff Sergeant in January 2011.

In December 2012, Capt Maginnis reported to 1st Maintenance Battalion and assumed the duties of Platoon Sergeant, and Maintenance Chief. In June 2014 he was accepted to MECEP and reported to Officer Candidate School for OCC-216, where he graduated as the Company Honor Graduate for the course. 

In November 2014, Capt Maginnis reported to the University of Colorado where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication and was awarded the department’s academic leadership award. He was promoted to GySgt in August 2016 and commissioned in December 2017. In May 2018, he reported into The Basic School (TBS) in Quantico, Virginia where he graduated as the Company Honor Graduate for the course.

In January 2019, Capt Maginnis reported to Engineer Officers Course 2-19 at the Marine Corps Engineer School. In June 2019, he reported to 9th Engineer Support Battalion where he served as Platoon Commander, Company Executive Officer, and Future Operations Officer. During his tour Capt Maginnis participated in and planned numerous joint and multi-national exercises across the Indo-Pacific Region, and spearheaded the integration of the battalion into countless naval engineer projects across the region. In April 2022, Capt Maginnis assumed his current duties as the Marine Officer Instructor at the University of Kansas. He was promoted to his current rank in May 2022.

Capt Maginnis’ personal awards include (2) Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, (2) Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.