Lieutenant Colonel Calischaran James is from Eggleston, Commonwealth of Dominica, West Indies. He graduated from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, earning undergraduate degrees in Aeronautics and Aviation Safety.
Lieutenant Colonel James began the Marine journey at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC, in June 1998. He then attended Power Plants aviation training at NAS Pensacola, FL. This was followed by T700 Engine Repair training at NAS Whiting Field, FL. In 1999, he completed T400 Engine Repair training at Camp Pendleton, CA, earning the 6124 Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). He was then transferred to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36 (MALS-36), Okinawa, Japan, where he served in many billets, including as a Collateral Duty Quality Assurance Representative and T400/T700 Test Cell Operator.
In 2001, Lieutenant Colonel James transferred to MALS-42, NAS Atlanta, GA, and served in numerous billets, including Test Cell Work Center Supervisor, Quality Assurance Work Center Supervisor, and Power Plants Division Chief.
Lieutenant Colonel James was commissioned via the Enlisted Commissioning Program in 2006. He reported to The Basic School (TBS), Quantico, VA, and graduated with Bravo Company in 2007. Following TBS, Lieutenant Colonel James reported to the Aircraft Maintenance Officer School, Whiting Field, FL, and obtained MOS 6002.
Upon graduating from Aircraft Maintenance Officer School, Lieutenant Colonel James reported to MALS-31, Beaufort, SC, in October 2007, where he served as the Power Plants Officer. In December 2007, he transferred to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122 in Beaufort, SC. Lieutenant Colonel James deployed with VMFA-122 in support of OIF in 2008-2009 and again in 2010-2011 in support of OEF. At VMFA-122, he served in various billets, including Assistant Aircraft Maintenance Officer (AAMO), Maintenance Material Control Officer (MMCO), Material Control Officer (MCO), and Aircraft Maintenance Officer (AMO).
In 2011, Lieutenant Colonel James transferred to Little Rock, AR, and served as the Detachment Commander for the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training (CNATT), Detachment Little Rock.
In 2013, Lieutenant Colonel James transferred to Miramar, CA, and served as the AAMO for MALS-16.
In 2015, Lieutenant Colonel James transferred to Marine Corps University, Quantico, VA., as an Expeditionary Warfare School (EWS) student to fulfill Professional Military Education requirements.
In 2016, Lieutenant Colonel James transferred to Twentynine Palms, CA, where he was certified and served as an Expeditionary Logistics Instructor (MOS 0477) at the Marine Corps Logistics Operations Group (MCLOG).
In 2018, Lieutenant Colonel James returned to Miramar, CA, and served as the AMO for Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101 (VMFAT-101).
In 2020, Lieutenant Colonel James transferred to the Naval War College, Newport, R.I., to fulfill resident Command and Staff Professional Military Education requirements and was awarded a Masters of National Security Strategy.
In 2021, Lieutenant Colonel James transferred to Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Manpower Management Officer Assignments Branch, Quantico, VA., and served as the Field Grade Aviation Ground Monitor.
In 2022, Lieutenant Colonel James transferred to The Pentagon, Deputy Commandant for Aviation, Aviation Sustainment Branch, and served as an aviation maintenance advisor and the MOS 6002 Occupational Field Sponsor.
In 2023, Lieutenant Colonel James transferred to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Aviation Logistics Department (ALD), Okinawa, Japan, and served as the ALD Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff.
In May 2024, Lieutenant Colonel James assumed duties as the Commanding Officer for MALS-36.
Lieutenant Colonel James’ personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (x5), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (x3), the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (x2), and the Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. Lieutenant Colonel James is a service award recipient of the Marine Corps Aviation Association 2020 Earle Hattaway Ground Officer of the Year Award.