Major Kevin M. Shotas was raised in the south suburbs of Chicago, IL and graduated from University of Illinois: Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Human Factors in 2010. He commissioned in December 2010, completed The Basic School in July 2011 and the Combat Engineer Officer’s Course in October 2011. 2ndLt Shotas was stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and initially assigned to various roles in the S-3 Operations at 7th Engineer Support Battalion. He then served as Platoon Commander, Improved Ribbon Bridge Platoon, Bridge Company before moving to Executive Officer, Engineer Support Company.
He was then transferred to Combat Logistics Regiment-1 as the Engineer Operations Officer. In addition to those duties, 1stLt Shotas performed multiple roles at the Regiment to include Training Officer, Current Operations Officer, and Future Operations Officer. Upon completion of this duty, Captain Shotas was transferred to G-4 Logistics, I Marine Expeditionary Force to serve as an Engineer Officer in the Engineer Branch. Due to gaps and personnel turnover, Captain Shotas served the role as the Engineer Branch Head supporting all Engineer Operations for I MEF. During his tenure at I MEF, Capt Shotas deployed as the Information Management Officer on the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit in support of a WESTPAC deployment. He also deployed as the Operation Officer on Task Force Koa Moana to support strengthening relationships and security cooperation with Pacific Island nations.
After completion of Active-Duty service, Captain Shotas accepted a commission in the United States Marine Corps Reserve and joined the Individual Mobilization Augmentee program to continue service in G-4 Operations, I MEF as part of the Current Operations team. Captain Shotas would soon join 1st Civil Affairs Group, I Force Headquarters Group as a Team 3 Leader, Detachment 1. During this time, Major Shotas would accept Active Duty Operations Support orders to serve as a Plans and Liaison Officer to support coordination between 1stCAG, I MEF, and other units. Upon completion of orders, Major Shotas went back to serving as a Civil Affairs Team Leader and supported Exercise Continuing Promise 2024.
Major Shotas assumed his current duties as Company Commander of Engineer Support Company, 4th Combat Engineer Battalion, 4th Marine Division in August 2023.
He is a graduate of Expeditionary Warfare School, Marine Corps Command and Staff College, Joint Engineer Operations Course, Ground Safey for Marines, and Civil Affairs Officer and Civil Military Operations Planner Course. He also has an Associate’s Degree in Fire Technology, Associate’s Degree in Emergency Management, and is currently in a Master’s Program for Management at the University of Illinois.
His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal – third award.