Biography

Captain Josh Ley is the husband of 18 years to Ali, father to Kelynn, Kinlee, Koram, Kyler, Kalem, Kayson and Kezia and U.S. Marine since 2005.  

Capt Ley was born in Bedfordshire, England, where his family was stationed during the Cold War, and spent his formative years in Alexandria, Egypt. Following Recruit Training at Parris Island in 2005 and Marine Combat Training in early 2006, Pvt Ley learned Modern Standard Arabic at the Defense Language Institute in addition to the Egyptian Arabic he already spoke fluently.  

After learning Arabic Cryptography at Goodfellow AFB, LCpl Ley reported to 1st Radio Bn in November 2007 where he passed the Radio Reconnaissance Indoctrination Program and subsequently served as the Radio Reconnaissance Team Pointman/Navigator on the 11th MEU in 2009-2010. Upon return from deployment, Sergeant Ley attended Sergeants Course in the spring of 2010 and was recognized as a Distinguished Graduate for graduating third in his class.  Sgt Ley reported to MARDET Goodfellow in December 2010, where he served as the primary Arabic Basic Cryptologic Course instructor from 2010 to 2013 and delivered more than 450 hours of platform instruction. 

In 2013, SSgt Ley was accepted into the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program and attended OCS where he graduated as a Distinguished Graduate. SSgt Ley graduated from the University of South Florida in the spring of 2017 Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in International Studies and with a Certificate in National Intelligence. Through this ODNI sponsored intelligence program, SSgt Ley studied Palestinian Arabic at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and briefed at the 2016 Five Eyes International Intelligence Conference. 

2ndLt Ley commissioned in May 2017 and graduated from The Basic School in April 2018 as the Honor Graduate of Alpha Company, 1-18. Following his graduation from the MAGTF Counterintelligence/Human Intelligence Course in September 2018, 2ndLt Ley checked in to 3d Intelligence Bn, Okinawa, Japan. 1stLt Ley served as the Production Manager (0205 billet) for All-Source Fusion Platoon before taking over as the Platoon Commander the following year. While at 3d Intelligence Bn, 1stLt Ley was fortunate to have deployed in support of multiple bilateral, joint, and combined exercises before serving in III MAGTF Intelligence Center (MIC) as the All-Source Production and Analysis OIC where his duties entailed leading the III MIC Marines as well as briefing and supporting the III MEF CG and principal staff.  

In September 2020, 1stLt Ley transferred to Marine Corps Installations Pacific to gain experience in his MOS as the Counterintelligence/Human Intelligence Officer. In April of 2021, 1stLt Ley was selected to be the next Aide-de-Camp to the Commanding General, MCIPAC where he served until summer 2022. While serving as Aide-de-Camp to General Bill Bowers, Capt Ley travelled extensively throughout the Indo-Pacific AOR. Following a successful 15-month tour, Capt Ley attended and graduated from Resident Expeditionary Warfare School at Quantico, VA before transiting to 3d Radio Bn in Hawaii to assume command.  Capt Ley last served as the Commanding Officer of Atlas Company, 3d Radio Bn. 

Capt Ley’s personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal in lieu of second award, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal in lieu of second award and the Airborne Basic Parachutist Insignia.