Major Justin Hillebrand grew up in Madison, Wisconsin. He was selected to attend Officer Candidates School as part of the Platoon Leaders Course (PLC) while attending the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He holds an undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree in Geology and Geophysics, and upon completing PLC Juniors and Seniors, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in January 2014.
Major Hillebrand reported to The Basic School in October 2014 and subsequently to the Field Artillery Officers Basic Course in May 2015. He reported to 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines in December of 2015, where he was assigned to Battery F as the Fire Direction Officer (FDO). In May of 2016, he deployed in support of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) with 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines. Upon returning from the 31st MEU, Major Hillebrand was assigned as the Assistant Executive Officer for Battery F, in which he trained multiple FDOs and Platoon Commanders on cannon battery operations and employment. He was then selected to serve as the Executive Officer for Battery E immediately following their redeployment from Okinawa, Japan, in support of the 31st MEU.
In October 2017, Major Hillebrand reported to the I Marine Expeditionary Force to serve as the Fire Support Officer for Task Force Al Asad (TFAA). In April of 2018, he deployed in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE with TFAA 18.2 on an advise, assist, and enable mission in support of Iraqi Security Forces. During this deployment, he served as Senior Watch Officer, Deputy Fires and Effects Coordinator, and Fires Advisor for the 7th Iraqi Army Division, supporting their counter-Daesh mission throughout Al Anbar province and along the Iraq-Syria border. Upon returning from deployment in December of 2018, Major Hillebrand was briefly assigned as the Assistant Fire Support Coordinator for 2nd Battalion 11th Marines.
In April 2019, Major Hillebrand reported to the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group (MCESG) Headquarters in Quantico, Virginia. He initially served as the Group Training Officer and subsequently the Assistant Operations Officer for the entirety of MCESG. Partnering with the U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service and the II Expeditionary Operations Training Group, Major Hillebrand facilitated multiple large-scale embassy reinforcement and non-combatant evacuation exercises for the 26th and 24th MEU, as well as SPMAGTF-CR-AF. In July 2021, Major Hillebrand reported to Marine Corps University's Expeditionary Warfare School (EWS), taking additional coursework in the study of irregular warfare, graduating in May of 2022
In June 2022, Major Hillebrand reported to Battery Q, 5th Battalion, 11th Marines Regiment, 1st Marine Division, to serve as the Battery Commander. Overseeing the execution of eight High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) live-fire exercises, as well as three HIMARS Rapid Infiltration exercises, developing tactics, techniques, and procedures for HIMARS employment, increasing survivability and lethality. Major Hillebrand was briefly assigned as the Assistant Operations Officer for 5th Battalion 11th Marines.
In April 2023, Major Hillebrand was selected to serve as the inaugural Battery Commander, Long Range Missile Battery A, 11th Marines. He facilitated the development of the Marine Corps' Long-Range Fires (LRF) and Ground-Launched Cruise Missile capabilities in support of Force Design 2030 and Office of the Secretary of Defense initiatives. In this position, he oversaw the buildup of personnel and equipment for the newly formed Battery, leading to the first-ever live fire of a Block V Tomahawk Cruise Missile by United States Marines utilizing the newly developed LRF Launcher.
In June 2024, Major Hillebrand reported to the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College (CGSC) in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, earning a Master's degree in Operational Studies.
Major Hillebrand is a 2022 graduate of the Marine Corps University's EWS and a 2025 graduate of the U.S. Army's CGSC. His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two Gold Stars in lieu of third award, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, The U.S. Department of State Superior Honor Award, and the French Médaille de la Défense nationale, bronze grade with Armée De Terre clasp.
Major Hillebrand is married to the former Ms. Danielle Turner of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. They have two children: a daughter, Diana (5 years), and a son, Alder (2 years). They reside in Brookfield, Wisconsin.