LtCol Jessica Gaul (née Jackson) commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in August 2004 through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program at the University of South Carolina.  After The Basic School, she completed initial training at Air Support Control Officers Course at MCAGCC Twentynine Palms, CA, and subsequently reported to Marine Air Support Squadron 1 (MASS-1) as an Air Support Control Officer. 

1stLt Jackson deployed to Iraq in 2007 as a Direct Air Support Center (DASC) Tactical Air Director and Helicopter Director in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) II in the main DASC at Camp Fallujah. Upon returning from Iraq, she finished her time at MASS-1 serving as an Air Support Control Officer, Senior Air Director, and Adjutant. At the end of 2008, Capt Jackson left Active Duty.

In 2011, Capt Gaul became a member of the Selected Marine Corps Reserves, joining 4th Marine Logistics Group Forward East out of Camp Lejeune until 2012. From there she joined 4th Maintenance Battalion in Charlotte, NC, serving in Headquarters and Support Company, and assisted in the unit’s transition when re-designated as Combat Logistics Battalion 451 (CLB-451).

In late 2013, Capt Gaul returned to the air wing with Marine Air Support Squadron 6 (MASS-6), where she served as the Assistant Detachment OIC and Air Support Control Officer. During her tenure with MASS-6, she attended Expeditionary Warfare School (Non-Resident) and promoted to Major. From there, Maj Gaul joined Marine Air Control Squadron 24 (MACS-24) out of Virginia Beach, VA. During this time, she served as Headquarters and Support Company Commander, Executive Officer, and attended Command and Staff College (Non-Resident). LtCol Gaul joined Marine Air Control Group 48 (MACG-48) in 2021 to serve as the Reserve Executive Officer.

LtCol Gaul’s personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two gold stars.