General Robert Magnus
Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps
Life Member

General Magnus is currently serving as the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Headquarters Marine Corps, Washington D.C.

General Magnus was commissioned in June 1969, after graduating from the University of Virginia with a B.A. In 1993, he received a M.S. from Strayer College. General Magnus' formal military education includes Naval Aviator Training, the U.S. Marine Corps Command and Staff College (1985), and the National War College (1989).

Completing The Basic School at Quantico, Va. in 1969, General Magnus reported to the Naval Air Training Command. In 1971, he reported to HMMT-402, MCAS New River, for CH-46 training. General Magnus then joined HMM-264 as S-2 Officer and deployed on his first Landing Force Sixth Fleet cruise. In 1973, he was S-3 Officer, H&MS-15 SAR Detachment, Task Force Delta, Royal Thai AFB, Nam Phong, Thailand. In 1974, he was assigned as Training Officer, SOES, MCAS Quantico. General Magnus was released from active duty in October 1974.

In December 1975, General Magnus returned to active duty as Aviation Safety Officer, HMM-263, deploying for his second Sixth Fleet deployment. He then served as the Aviation Safety Officer, MAG-26, followed by duty as Assistant S-3/Weapons and Tactics Instructor, HMM-261, where he made his third Sixth Fleet deployment. He then served as Assistant S-4 Officer and Assistant S-3/Weapons and Tactics Instructor, MAG-26.

In 1980, General Magnus reported to Headquarters Marine Corps, where he served as the Aviation Training Devices Officer and Assault Medium Lift Requirements Officer. In 1985, he reported to MAG-29 as S-3 Officer. From 1986-88, General Magnus served as Executive Officer and then as Commanding Officer, HMM-365, making his fourth Sixth Fleet Deployment. From 1989-93, General Magnus served as the Chief, Logistics Readiness Center, Joint Staff, followed by duties as the Executive Assistant to the Director of the Joint Staff.

In 1993, General Magnus was assigned to Headquarters Marine Corps, as Head, Aviation Plans, Programs, Doctrine, Joint Matters, and Budget Branch. Selected for Brigadier General he was reassigned as Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Aviation in July 1994. In July 1997, he reported as Commander, Marine Corps Air Bases Western Area, MCAS El Toro, Calif. From 1999-2000, General Magnus served as Deputy Commander, Marine Forces Pacific. From July 2000-July 2001, he was the Assistant Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies, and Operations (Quadrennial Defense Review). From August 2001 to August 2005, he served as Deputy Commandant for Programs and Resources.

His personal decorations include: Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, and the Navy Achievement Medal.

(Revised 19 Sep, 2005)

Photo Credit: United States Marine Corps