Lieutenant Colonel Robert O'Neil graduated from University of South Florida and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant (2ndLt) through the Officer Candidate Course 201 in August 2009. Upon graduation from The Basic School, Lieutenant Colonel O'Neil reported to Marine Air Support Squadron 1 (MASS-1), Cherry Point, NC.
While at MASS-1, he deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF) 11.2 from August 2011 to February 2012 serving as a Tactical Air and Helicopter Director. His second deployment in support of OEF 13.1 was from December 2012 to August 2013 where he served as the Senior Air Director within the Direct Air Support Control Center. The garrison billets in which he served while at MASS-1 were: Platoon Commander, Motor Transport and Utilities Officer, Logistics Officer, Weapons Tactics and Training Officer, and Squadron Executive Officer.
Following his assignment at MASS-1, In July, Lieutenant Colonel O'Neil executed orders to attend the Expeditionary Warfare School (EWS) in Quantico, VA. After EWS, he reported to Marine Air Support Squadron 3 (MASS-3), Camp Pendleton, CA. Upon arrival, he assumed the role as Squadron Training Officer from September 2015 to February 2016. During the months of March and April 2016, Lieutenant Colonel O'Neil attended Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course before assuming command of Air Support Company. Following his time as Company Commander, he served as the Assistant Operations Officer until his Permanent Change of Station in summer of 2018.
After his tour at MASS-3, Lieutenant Colonel O'Neil reported to US Marine Forces Cyberspace Command (MARFORCYBER), where he served as lead cyberspace planner and Future Plans Branch Head for the J/G-5. During this time, Lieutenant Colonel O'Neil was the lead planner for MARFORCYBER in the development of the Marine Corps Enterprise Network (MCEN) Command and Control (C2) initiative that redesigned the MCEN and created three Network Battalions and three Network Activities. Because of his role as the lead for MCEN C2, Lieutenant Colonel O'Neil was chosen to serve as the Marine Corps lead planner for the creation and activation of US Marine Forces Space Command.
Following his tour at MARFORCYBER, Lieutenant Colonel O'Neil was selected to attend Air Command and Staff College (ACSC) Calendar Year 2022. While at ACSC, Lieutenant Colonel O'Neil was accepted into the Schriever Space Scholars Program. During his time at ACSC, he earned a Masters of Military Operational Art and Science and the Air Force Association General Carl A. Spaatz Award for best addressing advocacy for air and space power.
After graduation, Lieutenant Colonel O'Neil received orders to 3rd Littoral Anti-Air Battalion where he served as the Air Control Battery Commander, Task Unit Commander under 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, and Battalion Executive Officer. Following his time at 3rd Littoral Anti-Air Battalion he received orders to Marine Air Control Group 18 to serve as the Operations Officer and currently serves as the Executive Officer.
Lieutenant Colonel O'Neil is a graduate of the following Joint and Marine Corps Schools: The Basic School, Air Support Control Officer Course, Expeditionary Warfare School, Weapons and Tactics Instructors Course, Joint Cyberspace Operational Planners Course, Special Technical Operations Planners Course, Joint Targeting Staff School, Marine Corps Command and Staff College (Distance), and Air Command and Staff College. His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (gold star), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (gold star).