A native of Dalton, MA, Lieutenant Colonel Joseph F. Albano, Jr commissioned as a Second Lieutenant via the NROTC program in May 2010 after graduating from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (B.S. – Civil Engineering) in Troy, NY.
In July 2010, he reported to The Basic School (TBS) in Quantico, Virginia – graduating from the Basic Officer’s Course in January 2011 as a member of Fox Company. Following TBS, Lieutenant Colonel Albano became an Infantry Officer upon graduation from the Infantry Officer Course 3-11 in June 2011.
Lieutenant Colonel Albano’s operational assignments include Rifle Platoon Commander and Weapons Platoon Commander in India Company, 3d Battalion, 9th Marines from 2011-2013; Bravo Company Executive Officer and Bravo Company Commander, 1st Battalion, 2d Marines from 2013-2015; Charlie Company Commander, Weapons Company Commander, and Battalion Operations Officer with 1st Battalion, 6th Marines from 2018-2021, and Northeast Asia Plans Officer with III Marine Expeditionary Force from 2024-2026.
Lieutenant Colonel Albano’s supporting establishment assignments include Warfighting Instructor at The Basic School from 2015-2016; Instructor and Class Advisor at the Infantry Officer Course from 2016-2018; and Combat Arms Majors Monitor at Manpower Management Officer Assignments, Headquarters Marine Corps from 2021-2023.
Lieutenant Colonel Albano’s career experience includes the completion of two combat deployments to Helmand Province, Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, one deployment to USINDOPACOM as part of the Unit Deployment Program – East in Okinawa, Japan, the development of several operational war plans, and numerous service, joint, and special operations exercises.
Lieutenant Colonel Albano’s personal recognitions and awards include The Basic School Instructor of the Year (2017), the USMC William G. Leftwich, Jr Trophy for Outstanding Leadership (2019), Meritorious Service Medal (gold star for second award), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (gold stars for third award), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (gold star for second award), and Combat Action Ribbon.
He is a graduate of the USMC Expeditionary Warfare School (distance education program), US Army’s Maneuver Captain Career Course, USMC Advanced Maneuver Warfare Course, USMC Command & Staff College (distance education program), and USMC School of Advanced Warfighting.
He and his wife Holly have three children: Luke (8), Hannah (5), and Jacob (2).