Major William M. Watson is a native of Pennsauken, New Jersey. He graduated from Montclair State University with a BS in Physical Education. Major Watson enlisted in the Marine Corps in July 2012. After serving as a Legal Services Specialist and Court Reporter in Okinawa, Japan, he was selected for the Enlisted Commissioning Program and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in November 2015.
After completing The Basic School and the Infantry Officer Course, he reported to 2d Battalion, 7th Marines. From October 2016 to September 2017, he served as a Platoon Commander for 3rd Platoon, Company G. In September 2017, he deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve under SPMAGTF-CR-CC where he supported combat operations in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Upon his return, he assumed duties as the Company Executive Officer for Company E. In September 2019, he deployed a second time with SPMAGTF-CR-CC, facilitating operations across Syria, Iraq, Kuwait, Djibouti, and Saudi Arabia.
From May 2020 to June 2023, he was assigned to The Basic School in Quantico, VA. He served as a Staff Platoon Commander for Basic Officer Course, Co B, 2-21 and subsequently as the TBS Protocol Officer and Company Executive Officer for Basic Officer Course, Co A, 1-22. In January 2022, he joined the Infantry Officer Course faculty and served as the Class Advisor for IOC Class 2-23.
In June 2023, he attended the Expeditionary Warfare School and was recognized as a distinguished graduate in May 2024.
In July 2024, he assumed command of Company A, 1st Battalion, 2d Marines, where he led the company through SLTE 5-24 in Twentynine Palms, CA. In late 2024, he assumed the role as Battalion Operations Officer for 1st Battalion, 2d Marines. During the battalion’s deployment to Okinawa, Japan, in support of Unit Deployment Program 25.1, Major Watson facilitated joint and combined training across mainland Japan, Korea, Okinawa, and Australia during multiple exercises.
Major Watson's personal awards and decorations include: the Meritorious Service Medal, (2) Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with "C" Device, Good Conduct Medal, and Foreign Medal.
He is currently living in Tampa, Florida.
Major William M. Watson is a native of Pennsauken, New Jersey. He graduated from Montclair State University with a BS in Physical Education. Major Watson enlisted in the Marine Corps in July 2012. After serving as a Legal Services Specialist and Court Reporter in Okinawa, Japan, he was selected for the Enlisted Commissioning Program and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in November 2015.
After completing The Basic School and the Infantry Officer Course, he reported to 2d Battalion, 7th Marines. From October 2016 to September 2017, he served as a Platoon Commander for 3rd Platoon, Company G. In September 2017, he deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve under SPMAGTF-CR-CC where he supported combat operations in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Upon his return, he assumed duties as the Company Executive Officer for Company E. In September 2019, he deployed a second time with SPMAGTF-CR-CC, facilitating operations across Syria, Iraq, Kuwait, Djibouti, and Saudi Arabia.
From May 2020 to June 2023, he was assigned to The Basic School in Quantico, VA. He served as a Staff Platoon Commander for Basic Officer Course, Co B, 2-21 and subsequently as the TBS Protocol Officer and Company Executive Officer for Basic Officer Course, Co A, 1-22. In January 2022, he joined the Infantry Officer Course faculty and served as the Class Advisor for IOC Class 2-23.
In June 2023, he attended the Expeditionary Warfare School and was recognized as a distinguished graduate in May 2024.
In July 2024, he assumed command of Company A, 1st Battalion, 2d Marines, where he led the company through SLTE 5-24 in Twentynine Palms, CA. In late 2024, he assumed the role as Battalion Operations Officer for 1st Battalion, 2d Marines. During the battalion’s deployment to Okinawa, Japan, in support of Unit Deployment Program 25.1, Major Watson facilitated joint and combined training across mainland Japan, Korea, Okinawa, and Australia during multiple exercises.
Major Watson's personal awards and decorations include: the Meritorious Service Medal, (2) Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with "C" Device, Good Conduct Medal, and Foreign Medal.
He is currently living in Tampa, Florida.