COLONEL ROBERT J. COATES
 A
native New Yorker, Colonel Coates was commissioned in the U.S. Marine
Corps in 1977 upon graduation from the University of South Carolina.
As a company grade officer, served in the Operational Forces with
Company F 2d Battalion, 1st Marines (1977-80), Company A 1st Reconnaissance
Battalion (1980-81), Company B 1st Battalion, 9th Marines (11th
MEU(SOC)) (1988-1990), and the 1st Marines Regimental Enhanced Training
Section (RETS) (1987-1988). Assignments included: Rifle Platoon
Commander, Weapons Platoon Commander, Rifle Company Executive Officer,
Reconnaissance Platoon Commander, Officer in Charge of RETS, and
Rifle Company Commander (1988-1990).
As a field grade officer, served as the Training Officer for the
1st Marine Division, Operations Officer for the 15th MEU(SOC) for
deployment to the CENTCOM AOR (1995-1996) for participation in OPERATION
SOUTHERN WATCH (OSW) and as Executive Officer/ Maritime Special
Purpose Force Commander for a subsequent deployment to the CENTCOM
AOR (1997) for participation in OSW, AC/S G-7 Training & Readiness
I MEF (1997-1998), Commanding Officer, 1st Force Reconnaissance
Company (1998-2000) and as Officer in Charge of the Special Operations
Training Group, I MEF (2000-2003). Colonel Coates was selected in
2003 to activate and serve as the first Commanding Officer for the
Marine Corps' first purpose built unit contribution to U.S. Special
Operations Command, Marine Corps Special Operations Command Detachment
(MCSOCOM Det) and in 2004, deployed to the IRAQI THEATER of OPERATIONS
(ITO) for combat operations in OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM II (OIF II).
In 2006 and upon deactivation of MCSOCOM Det, Col Coates was ordered
to I MEF (FWD) for deployment to ITO (Al Anbar, Iraq) for participation
in OIF 05-07 as the AC/S G-10 (Iraqi Security Forces-Al Anbar).
Upon return from the ITO in 2007, Col Coates was assigned as the
AC/S I MEF for Training & Experimentation Group, I MEF.
In the Supporting Establishment, assigned as the Officer in Charge
of the Amphibious Reconnaissance School at Landing Force Training
Command, Coronado, CA (1982-85), as an infantry battalion advisor
for combat and special operations in El Salvador (1986-87), and
with other U.S. Government Agencies involved in CounterTerrorism
and Intelligence/Special Operations (1991-1994).
Colonel Coates is a graduate of the Amphibious Warfare School (1985-86)
and the Marine Corps Command and Staff College (1990-1991).
Personal decorations include: Legion of Merit with Gold Star, Bronze
Star Medal with Gold Star, Purple Heart Medal, Defense Meritorious
Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with three Gold Stars,
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Combat Action
Ribbon with Gold Star.
Colonel Coates retired after serving 33 years active duty and is
currently is enjoying life with his wife, Maidy and his two sons.
Free PDF book download: DET ONE:
U.S. MARINE CORPS U.S. SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND DETACHMENT,
2003-2006
Click here to read note from
Colonel Coates himself written to PFC Chuck Meacham.
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