Colonel Bruce Morales was born and raised in Guayama, Puerto Rico and attended the University of Puerto Rico, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1994, and served as Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defense specialist, with 3d FSSG in Okinawa, Japan.
In 1995, he was selected for the Enlisted Commissioning Program and attended the 162nd Officer Candidate Course in 1996. After completion of OCS and The Basic School, he was designated a Ground Supply Officer. Following completion of Ground Supply Officer’s Course in July 1997, he was assigned to MCAS, Yuma AZ, where he served as Supply Officer, and Maintenance Management Officer.
In 1999, he transferred to the 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, CA, where he served with the 1st Marine Regiment as Regimental Supply Officer, and assistant S-4. In July 2002, he attended the Expeditionary Warfare School and upon completion, was ordered to II MEF Headquarters, G-4, Camp Lejeune, NC, where he served as Supply Officer.
In July 2006, he transferred to the 2d Marine Logistics Group, where he served briefly as Combat Logistics Regiment 25 Operations Officer, and later re-assigned to 2d Supply Battalion, where he served as Commander, MAGTF Distribution Company, Supply Company Commander, and Supply Detachment Commander. In May 2008, Colonel Morales was selected to command Recruiting Station Fort Lauderdale, FL, 6th Marine Corps Recruiting District. Following this tour, Colonel Morales attended the Naval Command and Staff College, Newport RI where he attained a Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies graduating with distinction. Upon completion, he was assigned to HQ, US Southern Command where he served in various billets in the J-4 Directorate. In June 2014, he assumed command of 2d Supply Bn, CLR-25. During this command tour, he also served as battalion commander for Combat Logistics Battalion - 252 and deployed in support of exercise Cold Response 2016 in Norway. Upon completion of battalion command, he served as part of the 2d Marine Logistics Group staff as AC/S G-10. In July 2017, he attended the Inter-American Defense College where he attained a Master’s Degree in Inter-American Defense and Security Studies graduating with distinction and remained at the college for a tour as Faculty Advisor. In July 2019, Colonel Morales transfer to HQ, 3d Marine Logistics Group, Okinawa, Japan where he currently serves as AC/S G-4.
Colonel Morales’ operational experience includes serving as J4, JOC/JLRC Battle Captain, JTF Liberia West Africa; Riverine Operations and Logistics Advisor, Planning and Assistance Team - Colombia; Supply Officer, Multi-National Forces West - Iraq, and Commander, Supply Detachment, 2d Supply Battalion (-) Reinforced, Al Taqaddum, Iraq.
Colonel Morales’ personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star in lieu of fourth award, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with Gold Star, Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal with Gold Star, and the Inter-American Defense Board Medal with Silver Star.