Col. James R. Braden, USMC

Iraq Helicopter Operations

About Our Speaker for the March Meeting

COLONEL JAMES R. BRADEN, USMC

Chief of Staff Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California

Colonel Braden received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from San Diego State University in December 1980. After completion of the Officer Candidate Course in December of 1981 he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant. Upon completion of the Basic School in June 1982, he reported to NAS Pensacola for flight training and was designated a Naval Aviator in September 1983.

After receiving his wings in September 1983, 2nd Lieutenant Braden reported to HMT-303 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton for initial training in the UH-1N. In July 1984, 1st Lieutenant Braden reported to HMA-369. He participated in three unit deployments to Okinawa Japan. In September 1986, he was promoted to Captain.

Captain Braden reported to Marine Corps Amphibious Warfare School at Quantico in August 1989. In June 1990 he reported to 1st Air and Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (1st ANGLICO) where he was assigned as a Team Leder, Supporting Arms Liaison Team (SALT). In August 1990 1st ANGLICO deployed to Saudi Arabia to support Operation DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM. During DESERT STORM he led his SALT in combat operations on the Saudi/Kuwait border, in the Battle of Khafji, and during the Ground War to include the liberation of Kuwait City.

In February 1992, Captain Braden was assigned to HMLA-367 where he served as the Operations Officer and Aviation Maintenance Officer. He deployed with the squadron to Okinawa, Japan in 1992 and 1994. In November of 1993 he was promoted to Major.

In June 1995, he was reassigned to HQMC Department of Aviation working as the Simulator Systems Coordinator in the Aviation Weapons Requirements Branch (APW). In August 1998, he reported to Marine Corps Command and Staff College at Quantico, Virginia. While at Command and Staff, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and earned a Masters Degree in Military Studies.

In October 1999, LtCol Braden reported to 3d MAW where he served in the Operations Department as the Future Plans Officer. In February 2000, he was assigned as the Executive Officer MAG-39. In July 2000, he was reassigned as the Executive Officer MWSG-37. In May 2002 he assumed command of HMLA-169 and led the squadron in combat during Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM. He then served as the Plans Department as the Strategic Plans officer for 3d MAW and was promoted to Colonel in February 2004.

Colonel Braden's personal decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal - Strike Flight with numeral 7, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with "V", the Battle Medal from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Combat Action Ribbon.