Lieutenant Colonel Collier, a proud Volunteer from the Volunteer state of Tennessee, was born on 15 December 1968. Upon graduation from high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in May 1987. In 1993 he was accepted into the Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning Education Program and attended The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina. He graduated in May 1996 and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant.
Following completion of The Basic School (TBS) and the Infantry Officer Course (IOC), 2nd Lieutenant Collier was assigned to 1st Battalion, 4th Marines serving as a rifle platoon commander, weapons platoon commander, and 81 mm mortar platoon commander. During this time he participated in Operation SOUTHERN WATCH for UN sanction enforcement in Kuwait (1998), Operation SAFE DEPARTURE in Eritrea (1998), and Operation STABILIZE in East Timor (2000).
In September 2000, Captain Collier reported for duty to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, SC. During this time he served as a Series Commander for L Company, and Company Commander of K Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion. In April 2002 Captain Collier was reassigned to the position of Assistant Director, Drill Instructor School until June 2003.
Graduating from the Infantry Captains Career Course (ICCC) in Dec 2003, Captain Collier was assigned to 1st Battalion, 2d Marines and served as a Company Commander. From July 2004 – February 2005 he deployed to Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF 2-1, 2-2, 3-1). After promotion to Major in July 2005 he was assigned as the Battalion Operations Officer. From December 2005- March 2006 he deployed to Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF 4-6, 5-7).
From June 2006 to September 2008, Major Collier attended the Naval Postgraduate School. Upon completion he was assigned to the National Security Space Office in Fairfax, VA. In April 2011 he was reassigned to 2d Marine Division (Forward) as the Division G-3 Current Operations Officer. From May 2011—March 2012 he was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
In April 2012 Major Collier was reassigned to serve as the 8th Marine Regiment Executive Officer. He was promoted to his current rank in Oct 2012. He assumed command of 1st Battalion, 9th Marines in May 2013.
Lieutenant Colonel Collier’s personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat V and two gold stars in lieu of third award, Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon, and the Good Conduct Medal (3rd Award).