Biography
4th Marine Corps District
Colonel Richard H. Robinson III

Col. Richard H. Robinson III currently serves as the Commanding Officer, 4th Marine Corps District.  He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on Aug. 8 2000 as part of the Platoon Leaders Course-Law Program. From 2000 to 2002, Lt. Col. Robinson served on the Staff Judge Advocate staff at Marine Forces Reserve, and later as the Anacostia, Virginia Inspector-Instructor legal officer upon admission to the Florida Bar.

At The Basic School, 1st Lt. Robinson competed for a combat arms MOS and was designated as an artillery officer. Following MOS school he was assigned to Battery B, 1st Battalion, 11th Marines. During this time, 1st Lt. Robinson served as a Forward Observer, the Assistant Executive Officer, and the Fire Direction Officer. Additionally, he participated in a Unit Deployment Program as part of 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines, during which he deployed in support of Operation Unified Assistance as a rifle platoon commander. In September 2005, Capt. Robinson became the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit Fire Support Officer. While at the 15th MEU, he volunteered for a Military Transition Team and deployed from January 2006 to January 2007 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 05-07. Capt. Robinson acted as the fires officer and a company-level advisor to an Iraqi battalion. Upon his return, he attended the Expeditionary Warfare School during the 07-08 academic year. In June 2008, Capt. Robinson, assigned to 1st Battalion again, assumed Assistant Officer-in-Charge duties of the Port of Entry Transition Team 4253, deploying to Trebil, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 08-10. In August 2009, Capt. Robinson took command of Battery B, and deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 10.1, during which he commanded Battery B in both artillery and infantry operations. In June 2011, Maj. Robinson assumed command of Recruiting Station Oklahoma City. After his recruiting tour, he reported to the Naval War College, from which he graduated with distinction in June 2015. He then joined 3rd Battalion, 11th Marines as the Executive Officer until joining 7th Marines in July 2016. As part of 7th Marines, Maj. Robinson deployed as the Force Effects Coordinator and Assistant Operations Officer for Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force 17.1 in support of U.S. Central Command. Upon returning, he served as the Operations Officer for 1st Marine Corps District until assuming command of 3d Battalion, 12th Marines.  Here, he commanded a hybrid rocket/cannon artillery unit as well as coordinated with the Ministry of Defense to implement training throughout Japan.  Lt. Col. Robinson relinquished command of 3rd Marine Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment in June 2020, and reported to the Army War College, which he completed as a Distinguished Graduate. On his subsequent Joint tour, Col. Robinson served as the Deputy J3 and Joint Targeting and Effects Branch Head for Naval Striking and Supporting Forces NATO in which he contributed to integrating high-end maritime striking forces in support of the Alliance. In April 2023, Col. Robinson was selected to command the 4th Marine Corps District.

Col. Robinson holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from the Virginia Military Institute, a Juris Doctorate from the Florida State University College of Law, Bar Admission from the State of Florida, a Masters of National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College and Masters of Strategic Studies from the Army War College.

Col. Robinson’s personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars, Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device and three gold stars, the Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star, and the Combat Action Ribbon.

4th Marine Corps District