Captain Michael F. Giles is a native of Detroit, Michigan and attended Eastern Michigan University where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice graduating in 2013. Following graduation, Captain Giles was selected to attend Officer Candidate School as a Marine Officer Candidate. Commissioning in late 2014, Captain Giles subsequently attended The Basic School followed by the Infantry Officers Course, completing his military occupational specialty training pipeline in 2015.
In 2016, Captain Giles reported to 2d Battalion 23d Marines, as a Rifle Platoon Commander with Golf Company. During this time, he activated as an individual augmentee to deploy in support of the SPMAGTF 17.2 as the Mobile Training Team Officer in Charge. During this deployment, Captain Giles worked with South American partner nations to help train and professionalize their naval infantry forces.
In 2018, Captain Giles transferred within the battalion to Headquarters & Service (H&S) Company to serve as the Executive Officer. Captain Giles served in this capacity for a year before he was selected to be the H&S Company Commander, holding that billet from 2019-2021.
Post H&S Company Command, Captain Giles transitioned billets and served as the battalion’s Assistant Operations Officer. He mobilized in support of Operation Allies Welcome where the unit was responsible for aiding refugees attempting to gain entry to the United States. Captain Giles was then selected to serve as the Operations Officer for part two of the mobilization; the overseas deployment to Kosovo, returning in October 2022.
In February 2023, Captain Giles assumed his current post serving as the Company Commander for Company E, 2d Battalion, 23d Marine Regiment.
He has a Master’s in Business Administration with a Data Analytics concentration and works as a Program Manager for Knight Law Group.
Captain Giles personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (with gold star in lieu of second award) and various other Service and Campaign medals.