Dennis Hejlik
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| Dennis Hejlik | |
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| Allegiance | USMC |
| Years of service | 1968-1972, 1975-present |
| Rank | Major General |
| Commands | 1st Battalion 2nd Marines Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C. Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War Operation Desert Storm Operation Iraqi Freedom |
| Awards | Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit |
Dennis J. Hejlik is a Major General in the United States Marine Corps. He is currently in command of the embryonic Marine Special Operations Command. Until late 2005, Hejlik commanded the 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade. He was also the deputy commanding general for the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. Hejlik is a native of Garner, Iowa.[1]
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[edit] Early career
Hejlik enlisted in 1968, rising to the rank of sergeant before accepting honorable discharge in 1972 to pursue education. He graduated from Mankato State University in 1975, returning to the Marines as a second lieutenant through the Platoon Leaders Class Program.
As a commissioned officer, Hejlik has had commands at the platoon, company, and battalion, and brigade levels. He has also served as a tactics instructor at the Amphibious Warfare School.
The Marine Barracks in Washington, DC came under his command in 1997. While there, Hejlik barred the Marines under his command from a number of gay bars in the city in an attempt to curb antagonism between Marines and the gay community.[2]
He was assigned as the Principal Director for Special Operations and Combating Terrorism in 2001, then as chief of staff and director of the Center for Command Support in 2002. He was next assigned to the 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade, headquartered at Camp Pendleton, in July 2004. With that unit, Hejlik was involved in preparing the counter-insurgency efforts during the United States occupation of Fallujah.[3]
[edit] Marine Special Operations Command
Hejlik was named the first commander of the Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC). The command was first announced on 1 November 2005, becoming the first special forces unit of the Marine Corps. Hejlik is a vocal supporter of the new command, which opponents claim detracts from the Corps' status and reputation as an all-elite force. Proponents, including Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, claim special operations units such as the MARSOC are essential in the War on Terrorism.[4]
Hejlik was confirmed by the Senate for promotion to the rank of Major General on March 16, 2006.[5]
[edit] Decorations
Medals awarded to Hejlik include the Defense Superior Service Medal with Gold Star, Legion of Merit with Gold Star, Meritorious Service Medal with two Gold Stars, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and the Leftwich Award.
[edit] References
- ^ Senzarino, Peggy, "In the thick of it: Garner native among top brass at Iraqi hot spot" (PDF), Globe Gazette (Mason City/Clear Lake, Iowa), January 7, 2005, p. A1.
- ^ Article from Capital Style political magazine
- ^ Military.com article
- ^ SignOnSanDiego article
- ^ U.S. Congress (16 March 2006). "Confirmations". Congressional Record 152 (34): S2394-5. Retrieved on 2006-05-18.
- Biography at USMC.mil (US Military site, in public domain).
