Judge Advocate Jeff Cochran
My name is Jeff Cochran, a retired Master Sergeant. I joined the Marine Corps League in 2022 and accepted a position as a Judge Advocate with the Oak Ridge Detachment #628 in 2023.
I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps delayed entry program on 30 June 1995 and graduated from Marine Corps Boot Camp MCRD, Parris Island on 20 September 1996.
Following Marine Combat Training and Supply Warehouseman course, I was assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 272, North Carolina, in January 1997. During this tour, I served as a Supply Warehouseman, Supply Clerk, and MIMMS clerk. I ended my active service at my EAS on 30 June 2000 and then transferred into the Individual Ready Reserve.
In December 2004, I accepted a tour on the Active Reserve Program as a Career Planner and was assigned to 1st Battalion 14th Marines, 4th Marine Division in Alameda CA. I then attended the Basic Career Planners Course in San Diego, CA. in May 2005, upon graduation I also attended the Reserve Career Planners Course in San Diego, CA. I also attended Sergeant Resident Professional Military School in November 2005 and in January 2006, I deployed with 1st Battalion 14th Marines, 4th Marine Division to Iraq in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). I was awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal for my Career Planner efforts while deployed ISO OIF.
In January 2007, I was transferred to 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, CA. as the Battalion Career Planner. I executed several annual training events in Yakima, WA., Boise ID., Quantico, VA., and 29 Palms, CA. I was awarded two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals for my efforts.
In July 2010, I was transferred to 1st Battalion 25th Marines, 4th Marine Division, Fort Devens, MA. as the Battalion Career Planner and Senior Watch Chief. In February 2011, I deployed with the 1st Battalion 25th Marines, 4th Marine Division to Afghanistan in direct support of Operation New Dawn. I was awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal for my Career Planner and superior Senior Watch Chief efforts while deployed ISO Operation New Dawn.
In July 2012, I was transferred to Headquarters Marine Corps, Reserve Affairs, Quantico, Va. where I developed the Direct Affiliation Program that allowed active component Marines a seamless transition into the Selected Marine Corps Reserve. I was awarded the Meritorious Service medal at the end of my tour.
In August 2014, I was transferred to Recruiters School, San Diego, CA. as an instructor. After a year as an instructor, I was promoted to Course Chief. In my last several months, I was promoted to Course Head. I was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal upon the end of my tour.
In July 2017, I was transferred to the 4th Marine Logistics Group, New Orleans, LA. As the Major Supporting Command (MSC) Career Planner. In July 2018, I was then reassigned to serve as the MSC Career Planner for Force Headquarters Group, New Orleans LA. I was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal upon the end of my tour.
In July 2020, I was reassigned as the MSC Career Planner for the 4th Marine Division, New Orleans, LA. I was awarded the Meritorious Service medal at the end of my tour My personal decorations include two Meritorious Service Medals, three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, five Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, a Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal with one silver star.
I've dedicated my life to serving the people of this great nation. Either as a Marine, former Deputy Sheriff, a Veteran Service Officer. and now the Judge Advocate of the Oak Ridge Detachment. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve with this Detachment and our community.