Colonel O’Connell is a native of Oak Lawn, Illinois. He is a 2003 graduate of the University of Notre Dame and received his commission via the NROTC program.
Col O’Connell’s command/officer in charge billets include: Platoon Commander, 2d Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Bn deployed in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, 2004- 2006; 6th Company Officer, United States Naval Academy, 2008-2010; Bravo Battery Commander, 3rd LAAD Bn, 2010-2012. Commanding Officer, 2d LAAD Bn, 2020-2022.
Col O’Connell’s staff/supporting establishment billets include: Battery Executive Officer and Assistant Operations Officer, 2d LAAD Bn, 2006-2007; Senior Air Coordinator for Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 38 deployed in support of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, 2012-2013; Lead Planner/MAGTF Plans Officer for Marine Forces Southern Command, 2015-2018; J35/J5 for Joint Task Force Leeward Islands, deployed in support of foreign humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in response to Hurricanes Irma and Maria, 2017. Executive Officer, 3d LAAD Bn, 2018-2019. Executive Officer, Marine Air Control Group 38, 2019-2020. Commandant of the Marine Corps PhD Strategist Fellow, 2022-2025.
Col O’Connell earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Notre Dame. He is a graduate of The Basic School, the LAAD officer course, and the Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course. He is a distinguished graduate of Expeditionary Warfare School, a distinguished graduate of the USMC Command and Staff College with a Master’s degree in Military Studies, and a graduate of the School of Advanced Warfighting with a Master’s degree in Operational Studies. He holds a Master’s degree with distinction from the University of Maryland as part of the Leadership, Education and Development program. Most recently, he earned a Master of Arts in Political Science from the University of Notre Dame, where he is also a PhD candidate.
Colonel O’Connell’s personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with gold star, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star, and the Joint Service Commendation Medal.