Biography

Lieutenant Colonel Robert Spodarek was born in Chicago, IL and raised in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. He was commissioned in May 2006 after graduating from the United States Naval Academy. Following completion of The Basic School, Infantry Officer’s Course, and the Ground Intelligence Officer’s Course, he reported to Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines in September 2007 as Scout Sniper Platoon Commander.

In support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM, he deployed in 2008 to Ramadi, Iraq as the Battalion Assistant Intelligence Officer (S-2A), and the Friendly Engagement Officer. In the latter capacity, 1stLt Spodarek attended key leader engagements with the Battalion Commander to advise and build U.S.-partner relations.

After returning from Iraq, 1stLt Spodarek remained with 1/9 and deployed with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) in 2010. As the Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 1/9 S-2, he provided Humanitarian Assistance to OPERATION UNIFIED RESPONSE in Haiti and conducted multiple bilateral training exercises in three countries. Following deployment, Capt Spodarek was the honor graduate at the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Intelligence Officer Course, and reported to Intelligence Battalion, Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC).

At MARSOC, Capt Spodarek first served as the Intelligence Battalion Executive Officer, then as the Marine Special Operations Company Hotel (MSOC H) S-2. In support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM, Capt Spodarek deployed in 2012 to Afghanistan as the MSOC H S-2, conducting village stability operations spanning four provinces. Capt Spodarek finished his MARSOC tour as the G-7 Intelligence Officer and was selected to the Junior Officer Strategic Intelligence Program (JOSIP).

As a JOSIP fellow, in 2014 Capt Spodarek completed his Master of Science of Strategic Intelligence at the National Intelligence University, focusing on counterterrorism strategy in the Middle East and North Africa, and earning a certificate in Denial and Deception. Following graduation, Capt Spodarek served in two, yearlong fellowships at the U.S. Department of State and at another government agency in support of national security.

In 2016, Maj Spodarek reported to I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF) G2 as the Fusion Officer, serving as the primary briefer and intelligence support to the I MEF Commanding General and staff. In 2017, Maj Spodarek joined the 13th MEU as the S-2 and deployed in 2018 on the Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II’s inaugural combat deployment to the Indo-Pacific, Middle East, Mediterranean, and Horn of Africa regions. Following deployment in 2019, Maj Spodarek reported to the Marine Corps School of Advanced Warfighting (SAW) and graduated with a Master’s Degree in Operational Studies.

Upon completion of SAW, Maj Spodarek was assigned to Marine Forces Central Command (MARCENT) to serve as the G3’s MAGTF planner. With his promotion to Lieutenant Colonel in August 2022, LtCol Spodarek assumed the duties of MARCENT G3 Future Operations Officer. While at MARCENT, LtCol Spodarek was selected to assume command of the Marine Cryptologic Support Battalion in June 2023.

LtCol Spodarek lives with his wife and two young children in the Annapolis, MD area.