Marine Officer Instructor (MOI)

Captain Nicholas A. Collins was born in Kissimmee, Florida, and enlisted in the Marine Corps in April of 2007. Upon earning the MOS of 0331 infantry machine gunner, he served with 2d Battalion, 9th Marines, deploying to Ramadi, Iraq, Marjah, Afghanistan, and Okinawa, Japan as a Squad Leader, Section Leader, and Platoon Sergeant. Captain Collins has served multiple combat tours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Freedom Sentinel.

During his non-operational assignment tour he served as a Ranger Instructor with the 5th Ranger Training Battalion before commissioning through the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program. Upon graduating summa cum laude at Georgia Tech with a B.S. major in international affairs and political science minor, he then completed The Basic School and the Infantry Officer Course.

As a Rifle Platoon Commander with 2d Battalion, 6th Marines, he deployed to Okinawa, Japan, in support of Unit Deployment Program 24.2, participating in numerous joint exercises across the Pacific.

Captain Collins is a distinguished graduate of Sergeants Course, Staff Noncommissioned Officer's Career Course, Infantry Unit Leaders Course, Officer Candidate School and is enrolled in the Commanding General's Honor Roll at The Basic School.

His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (fourth award), Combat Action Ribbon.