Major Guillermo M. Bocanegra was born in Lima, Peru. He immigrated from Mexico to Weston, FL in 2004 and graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelor of Arts in English. Major Bocanegra taught high school at McArthur High School in Hollywood, FL and served as an adjunct professor at Broward College in Davie, FL from 2008 to 2011. He enlisted in the Marine Corps as an Antitank Missileman and served with 3d Battalion, 2d Marines as a Combined Anti-Armor Team Section Leader.
Major Bocanegra deployed with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Unit Deployment Program during this time. He commissioned through the Enlisted-Commissioning Program in 2015.
Upon completion of The Basic School in 2016 and Basic Communication Officer Course in 2017, Major Bocanegra reported to 5th Marine Regiment where he served as the S-6 Platoon Commander. Shortly after, he received orders to 3d Battalion, 5th Marines and deployed with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit where he redesigned the battalion’s command and control infrastructure to align with 5th Marines’ aerial mission. Upon return from deployment in 2020, he checked into 1st Marine Division G-6 to serve as the Operations Officer and implemented communication networks to assist operations during the pandemic.
In July 2020, Major Bocanegra reported to the Expeditionary Warfare School. Upon graduating, he was selected to serve as the Information Company Grade Monitor from 2021-2023. During his time as the monitor, he oversaw over 1,700 officers’ careers, developed predictive machine learning algorithms, and designed graphical user interfaces and databases to assist with assignments. During this time he completed a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Data Analytics from Texas A&M, Corpus Christi. He was then selected to serve as the Aide-de-Camp for the Deputy Commandant, Manpower & Reserve Affairs from 2023-2024. In 2024, Major Bocanegra reported to 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) where he served as the S-6 and deployed in support of operations in the Caribbean.
Major Bocanegra’s personal achievements include the Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star, Navy, Marine Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.