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Marines


Biography

 

Captain David Cruz
Inspector-Instructor
Company D, 4th Law Enforcement Battalion

Captain David Cruz grew up in Brooklyn, New York and graduated from Dickinson College with a B.S. in Earth Science with a concentration in Environmental Science in 2013. In January, 2016 he attended Officer Candidate School and was commissioned in March, 2016 as a Second Lieutenant (2ndLt). He attended The Basic School 3-16 class and was designated the 5803 Military Police MOS upon graduation.

After graduating from the Military Police Officer Basic Course, 2ndLt Cruz served with Charlie Company, 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina from March 2017 to October 2017. His key billet was Platoon Commander.

2ndLt Cruz volunteered to be transferred to the Provost Marshal Office, Headquarters and Support Company, Camp Lejeune from October 2017 to December 2018. During this time he served as a Watch Commander, and was on duty during the time of Hurricane Florence conducting humanitarian aid, security, and joint operations with local civilian law enforcement and Marines. He also served as the action officer for the July 4th celebration consisting of over 28,000 civilians and supervising over 250 personnel to include support from 4th Law Enforcement Battalion and civilian agencies. In March, 2018, he was promoted to First Lieutenant (1stLt). In December, 2018 he returned to Bravo Company, 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Key billets have been Platoon Commander, Executive Officer, and Company Commander.

1stLt Cruz received orders to Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji in July 2019 to serve as the Provost Marshal, Provost Marshal Office, Camp Fuji, Japan. In August, 2019, 1stLt Cruz was recommended and approved to be frocked to the rank of Captain (Capt). Collateral billets also included Anti-terrorism Officer, and Physical Security Officer. During this time, he was tasks with the overall security and law enforcement operations on base. He also served as the Marine Representative to conduct prison visits for all Marine inmates in Japanese Prison. He ensured all prisoners were treated fairly during their sentence. He also coordinated with Headquarters Marine Corps after identifying deficiencies in equipment, resources, and personnel that was required to operate a Provost Marshal Office and coordinated corrective actions to enhance their capabilities. He also served as the Subject Matter Expert in Marine law enforcement with local police officials. This required numerous meetings with city Mayors, Police Chiefs, and Wardens during his time to promote a strong relationship with the local community. He also planned, and coordinated the release and transport of one inmate from Japan to Camp Pendleton as well as coordinated the pretrial confinement of one individual with Yokosuka and Camp Butler, Okinawa. Capt Cruz received his official promotion to the rank of Captain in May of 2020.

In June 2020, Capt Cruz was assigned to Marine Corps Security Force Regiment, Training Company. He served as the Academics Officer in Charge from August 2020 to August 2021. He then attended and graduated from the Close Quarters Battle Course obtaining the 8154 BMOS and served as the Close Quarters Battle Officer in Charge. During this time, Capt Cruz has coordinated, participated, and trained with local and federal law enforcement agencies to include FBI SWAT, Chesapeake SWAT, Pentagon ERT, DOE, Coast Guard, Air Marshals, and DSS Instructors exchanging tactics, techniques, and procedures in order to enhance the CQB course and instructor development. He reviews and supervises all course material and the execution of the Program of Instruction in accordance to TECOM regulations and standards. He has also planned, executed, and trained in Exercise TARTAN EAGLE twice with Royal Marines 43 CDO. This exercise consists of two phases. First phase is held in the US where Capt Cruz served as the action officer, coordinating all logistical support and training requirements to train over 60 Royal Marines in a two week training package in the United States. The second phase consisted of training hosted in the United Kingdom at various locations for two weeks where Capt Cruz served as a Platoon Commander and Tactics Advisor for the U.S. Marines.

In July 2023, Capt Cruz was directed to 4th Law Enforcement Battalion to serve as an Inspector-Instructor for Delta Company (-) in Billings, Montana.

His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal gold star in lieu of second award and the Humanitarian Service Medal.