Lieutenant Colonel Ryan J. Russell is a native of Kentwood, Michigan and graduated from Western Michigan University in 2005. He graduated from Wayne State University Law School in 2009, passed the July 2009 bar exam, and became a member of the State Bar of Michigan. Lieutenant Colonel Russell attended Officer Candidate School (OCC) in October 2010 and was commissioned in December 2010. He completed The Basic School in June 2011 and Naval Justice School in October 2011.
Lieutenant Colonel Russell was assigned to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan from October 2011 until April 2014. He served as Trial Counsel, Senior Trial Counsel, Legal Assistance OIC, and Victim Legal Counsel. Lieutenant Colonel Russell was assigned to 3d Marine Logistics Group in Okinawa, Japan as the Deputy Staff Judge Advocate from April 2014 until June 2016.
Lieutenant Colonel Russell was selected on the Fiscal Year 2016 Commandant’s Career Level Education Board and attended George Washington University Law School from July 2016 until June 2017.
Lieutenant Colonel Russell was assigned to Marine Corps Embassy Security Group as the Command Judge Advocate from June 2017 until August 2018. Upon promotion, Lieutenant Colonel Russell was re-assigned to the Legal Service Support Section National Capital Region and served on the Complex Trial Team and as Senior Trial Counsel until June 2020.
From June 2020 to June 2023, he served as the Deputy Staff Judge Advocate for I Marine Expeditionary Force.
In June 2023, Lieutenant Colonel Russell was assigned to First Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego as the Executive Officer.
Lieutenant Colonel Russell promoted to his current grade in February 2024. He executed orders to Expeditionary Strike Group Three at Naval Base San Diego to serve as the Assistant Chief of Staff N-5 Plans from June 2024 until June 2025.
He was selected by the Top-Level School Board to attend Marine Corps War College for Academic Year 2025-2026 and graduated in June 2026.
Lieutenant Colonel Russell has served as the Commanding Officer of Second Recruit Training Battalion since June 22, 2026.
Lieutenant Colonel Russell holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Western Michigan University, a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School, a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in U.S. Foreign Relations and National Security Law from George Washington University Law School, and a Master of Strategic Studies from Marine Corps War College.
His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (fourth award), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (second award), and Navy Achievement Medal.