Lieutenant Colonel Victor Bockman was born in Jackson, Mississippi, and attended the Virginia Military Institute, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology. After completing his undergraduate studies, he pursued graduate studies at Tulane University. While in graduate school, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and graduated as the Company Honor Man from recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, in 2007. After completing the School of Infantry, he served as an infantryman and fire team leader with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marines.
In 2009, Lieutenant Colonel Bockman attended Officer Candidate School, was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, and completed The Basic School in 2010. Afterward, he reported to Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, for initial flight training. In November 2012, he earned his wings as a Naval Aviator and was selected to fly the MV-22B Osprey. In December 2012, he reported to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron 204 (VMMT-204) at Marine Corps Air Station New River to receive initial training in the MV-22B Osprey. Upon completing training, he reported to Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, where he served with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (VMM-265) “Dragons” from 2013 to 2016. During his time there, he served as the Adjutant, Legal Officer, NATOPS Officer, Flight Line Officer, and Quality Assurance Officer. He deployed three times with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, participating in force posturing in the INDOPACOM area of responsibility with allies and partners, as well as Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief in the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan and in mainland Japan following the Fukushima Earthquake.
In 2016, Lieutenant Colonel Bockman reported to Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton and was assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 364 (VMM-364) “Purple Foxes” from 2016 to 2021. He served in various roles, including Aviation Safety Officer, Weapons and Tactics Instructor, Pilot Training Officer, Assistant Operations Officer, Director of Safety and Standardization, Operations Officer, and Aircraft Maintenance Officer. In March 2017, he deployed to the Middle East as part of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command (SPMAGTF-CR-CC) 17.2. During this deployment, Lieutenant Colonel flew combat missions in USCENTCOM in direct support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. Following this deployment, he was selected to attend the Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course at Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One. In March 2019, he deployed again to the Middle East as part of SPMAGTF-CR-CC 19.2. He flew and led combat missions in support of joint and coalition forces across the CENTCOM and AFRICOM areas of responsibility.
In September 2020, Lieutenant Colonel Bockman was selected as a Recruiting Station Commanding Officer (RSCO) and assumed command of Recruiting Station Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in June 2021. During his three years in command, RS Harrisburg was recognized each year as a Commandant of the Marine Corps Superior Achiever for outstanding performance.
After successfully completing his RSCO tour in 2024, Lieutenant Colonel Bockman was selected to attend the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. There, he studied at the College of Naval Command and Staff and graduated with Distinction. In July 2025, he was assigned to Headquarters Marine Corps, Programs and Resources. While there, he served as Branch Head for Aviation Budget Execution, managing the current-year portfolio for all Marine Aviation assets.
Lieutenant Colonel Bockman holds a master’s degree in Cell and Molecular Biology from Tulane University and another in Defense and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College. His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Strike Medal with Bronze Numeral 5, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Gold Star in lieu of a second award, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.