COL Giles Kyser (Ret. USMC)

"Giles Kyser was born October 13, 1961 at Camp Pendleton, California the son of MGySgt and Mrs. James G. Kyser III USMC (retired), is a 1981 graduate of the Marine Military Academy Preparatory School, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1985 and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant of Marines.

Colonel Kyser’s operational tours include command at the Platoon, Company and Battalion level with 2d Battalion 4th Marines, 2d Battalion 8th Marines, 2d ANGLICO, 2d Force Reconnaissance Company, the Special Operations Command, Europe, and 2d Battalion 2d Marines. He participated in combat operations throughout the Middle East, the Balkans, and Africa to include Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, Operations JOINT GUARD, JOINT FORGE, Joint Task Force NOBLE ANVIL, ALLIED FORCE, and IRON GLANCE and the Combined Joint Task Force Kosovo (KFOR) in the Balkans, other operations in Africa, and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM to with multiple operations including VIGILANT RESOLVE in Fallujah.

Colonel Kyser’s non-operational tours include assignment to Marine Barracks Washington, D.C. where he served as Platoon Commander, Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon and in other positions for four ceremonial seasons. He also served on the Marine Staff, where he managed policy for all reconnaissance and special operations capabilities within the Marine Corps and was the architect of the Marine Corps’ first permanent contribution to the US Special Operations Command. He also served later as the Senior Military Advisor and Chief of Staff for the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict and Deputy Under Secretary of the Navy consecutively.

Colonel Kyser graduated with distinction at each level of Professional Military Education; the Infantry Officer’s Advanced Course, the Marine Command and Staff College, the Armed Forces Staff College and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the US Naval Academy as well as two Masters Degrees in Military Studies and National Resource Strategy.
After retiring from the Marine Corps in 2009, Col. Kyser assumed the position as the Vice President for Special Operations and Irregular Warfare for Selex Galileo Inc. and was later appointed President and Chief Executive Officer. He has served in various capacities in industry with MIC Industries, LaserLock Technologies, Cochrane USA, Senior Vice President at AirBoss Defense, and now as the Vice President for Goldbelt Security, an Alaskan Native Corporation focused on rapid acquisitions for Federal customers. He also assists the Aerem Group with introducing sustainable and humanitarian technologies both domestically and internationally.

Colonel Kyser's personal awards from the Marine Corps include the Legion of Merit with Gold Star in lieu of second award, the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for heroism on September 11th, 2001 at the Pentagon, the Bronze Star with combat “V” for valor and Gold Star in lieu of second award, the Combat Action Ribbon with Gold Star and more than forty- five other personal and campaign awards. He is also an Eagle Scout.
He is married to Chris Soper Kyser, a sign language interpreter and the love of his life. They have one daughter Lauren Rose who is married to the love of her life; Mr. Jonah Higgenbottom."