A native of Naperville, Illinois, Dan earned a commission in 2006 following graduation from the Naval Reserve Officer Training program at Marquette University.
Upon graduation from The Basic School and Infantry Officer’s Course in 2007, Second Lieutenant Lakhani was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines and served as Rifle Platoon Commander, Weapons Company Executive Officer, and Rifle Company Commander. During this tour he deployed in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM in 2008 and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in 2009.
Following his first tour in the operational forces, First Lieutenant Lakhani was assigned to Recruiting Station Baltimore where he served as Operations Officer and Executive Officer from 2010 to 2013.
In 2014, Captain Lakhani graduated from Expeditionary Warfare School Quantico, Virginia and was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines where he served as Rifle Company Commander, Weapons Company Commander, Operations Officer, and Executive Officer. He completed a deployment in support of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Crisis Response Africa serving as the Crisis Response Alert Force Company Commander.
From July 2016 to May 2019, Major Lakhani was assigned as the Inspector - Instructor for Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines, Fort Sheridan, Illinois. During this time Major Lakhani completed the Command and Staff College Distance Education Program.
In June 2019, Major Lakhani assumed command of Marine Corps Recruiting Station Riverside California. During all three years of his tenure, which included the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, his command earned recognition and was awarded as a Commandant of the Marine Corps Superior Achiever.
Following command, Lieutenant Colonel Lakhani earned a masters degree and graduated from the Marine Corps Command and Staff College Quantico, Virginia in May 2023. Lieutenant Colonel Lakhani was then assigned as the Branch Head Enlisted Operations, Marine Corps Recruiting Command until May 2024.
His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, gold star in lieu of third award and the Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal gold star in lieu of third award.