New Marine Corps CIO brings joint, cyber, C2 experience

By

Amber Corrin

Col. Dennis A. Crall, the Marine Air Control Group 18 commanding officer, congratulates Gunnery Sgt. Angel Rodriguez, middle, the Weapons Tactics Training Program Chief for Marine Air Support Squadron 2, MACG-18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, on becoming the first Marine in his military occupational specialty to ever be awarded the Naval Aviation Observer wings. Crall, who was also awarded the wings, is the second Marine in his military occupational specialty to do so. Both Marines were presented their wings by Brig. Gen. William Beydler, right, in a ceremony on Camp Foster Feb. 10.

Col. Dennis Crall, Marine Corps director of command, control, communications and computers (C4) and CIO, is awaiting his first star and promotion to brigadier general, but he already has assumed the duties of the office vacated by BGen Kevin Nally, who retired in July.

Crall began work in the C4/CIO office on July 21, shortly after Nally’s retirement, although it’s not certain when Crall will receive his promotion, according to a Marine Corps spokesperson. He is set to make one of his first public speaking appearances soon though, on Nov. 14 at the AFCEA Northern Virginia chapter’s monthly luncheon.

According to his bio, Crall is a “career aviation command and control officer who has commanded at the squadron and group levels. He deployed as the direct air support center – airborne, officer-in-charge in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, conducting 35 combat missions spanning over 350 flight hours.”

Crall’s experience includes numerous joint assignments, including chief of the Joint Cyberspace Center at US Central Command (CENTCOM); executive officer to the deputy commander, CENTCOM; division chief, information operations, CENTCOM; division chief, developments and concepts, CENTCOM; and branch chief, strategic plans, information operations, US Special Operations Command (SOCOM).

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