Capt Alex J. Beckstrand is a native of southern Wisconsin.  Following his studies at the Virginia Military Institute, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in May 2010.  Upon graduation from The Basic School, he completed his initial training at the Infantry Officer Course in June 2011 and was then assigned to the 2d Marine Division for duty with 3d Battalion, 9th Marines. During this tour he commanded a Rifle Platoon in Company K and deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) to Garmsir District, Helmand Province, Afghanistan.  Upon returning from OEF, he was assigned as the Company Executive Officer for Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Battalion, 2d Marines.

In July 2014, Capt Beckstrand was discharged from the Marine Corps.  In February 2015, Capt Beckstrand joined the Selected Marine Corps Reserve (SMCR) was assigned as the Company Executive Officer, Company G, 2d Battalion, 25th Marines in Dover, New Jersey.

Capt Beckstrand mobilized in January 2016 with Marine Forces Central Command’s (MARCENT’s) Security Cooperation Team – Jordan (SCT-J) 16.2.  Upon completion of Marine Corps Security Cooperation Group’s Basic Advisor Course, Capt Beckstrand deployed to Jordan as the Second-in-Charge of SCT-J 16.2.

Upon returning from deployment, Capt Beckstrand entered the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) in February 2017.  Later that year, Capt Beckstrand was assigned as a Rifle Platoon Commander, Company C, 1st Battalion, 24th Marines in Lansing, Michigan.  In January 2018, he was assigned as Rifle Platoon Commander, Company F, 2d Battalion, 24th Marines in Milwaukee, WI.  Capt Beckstrand assumed command of Fox Company in October 2018.

Capt Beckstrand is a 2010 graduate from the Virginia Military Institute’s NROTC Program, with a Bachelor of Arts in History.  He is currently working on a Master’s degree in International Relations from American University, with expected completion in April 2019.  Capt Beckstrand’s civilian work experience includes 4 years as an Operations Manager with Amazon.com.  He currently is employed with the aircraft engine manufacturer Pratt and Whitney as a Maintenance Manager.