Lt. Col. Groceman, a native of St. Louis, Missouri, enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve and graduated from MCRD San Diego in August 1999. After completing Officer Candidates School, then-2ndLt Groceman graduated from Truman State University in 2002, earning degrees in Physics and Mathematics. He subsequently attended The Basic School and graduated in May 2003.
In November 2003 upon completion of Field Artillery Officer Basic Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, 2ndLt Groceman was assigned as an artillery forward observer in Battery C, 1st Battalion, 12th Marines at MCB Kaneohe Bay, HI, where he served as a forward observer and battery fire direction officer. He deployed with Company B, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 3d Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.
From 2006 to 2009, Captain Groceman was assigned as a nuclear security inspector for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico. Following this assignment, he attended Expeditionary Warfare School. In 2010, Capt Groceman was assigned as the battalion logistics officer for 1st Battalion, 10th Marines. He subsequently deployed with the battalion in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Upon redeployment in June 2011, Captain Groceman assumed command of Battery A, 1/10. From April – May 2012, he served as the 1/10 Operations Officer, and from May – December 2012, he served as the Battalion Executive Officer. From December 2012 to April 2013, he was the Assistant Fire Support Coordinator for 2d Marine Regiment.
From May 2013 to May 2016, Major Groceman served as the Assistant Inspector-Instructor for 5th Battalion, 14th Marines at Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach, California. Following this assignment, Major Groceman attended the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where he was accepted to the Art of War Scholar Program. He graduated with honors in 2017, earning a Master’s Degree in Military Arts and Sciences.
From 2017 to 2018, Major Groceman served as the Assistant Fire Support Coordinator for 3d Battalion, 12th Marines in Okinawa, Japan. Following this assignment, LtCol Groceman served as the Artillery and Rockets Capabilities Integration Officer at Capabilities Development Directorate, Combat Development and Integration in Quantico, Virginia.
In June 2020, Lt. Col. Groceman reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island and is scheduled to assume command of Second Recruit Training Battalion.
Lt. Col. Groceman’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon. Major Groceman is married and has two boys, 6 and 10 years old.