Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Colonel David A. Merles began his Marine Corps service in 1996 and earned his commission in 2002 after graduating from The Citadel. Throughout his service, he has been devoted to leading Marines and developing the next generation of officers.

Colonel Merles has served in a variety of challenging roles, including command of Marine Wing Support Squadron 374(-), and logistics and operations positions with units including the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines, 3d Marine Regiment, Marine Corps Forces Pacific, United States Forces Korea, and the Combined Forces Command in Korea. He has deployed in support of both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

He’s also passionate about mentorship, having served as an instructor at The Basic School and as a Marine Officer Instructor with the NROTC North Carolina Piedmont Consortium: North Carolina State University, UNC-Chapel Hill, and Duke University.

Colonel Merles is a dedicated Marine logistician who has consistently pursued professional development, completing courses at the Army’s Combined Logistics Captains’ Career Course, the Naval Command and Staff College, and the Air War College. He holds degrees from The Citadel, North Carolina State University, the U.S. Naval War College, and the U.S. Air War College.