Colonel Sean Dynan is a Marine Corps Infantry Officer and a native of Hanson, Massachusetts. A 1998 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Col Dynan commissioned as a Marine Corps Second Lieutenant after graduation. Since commissioning, he has had the opportunity to lead Marine platoons, companies, an Infantry Battalion, and Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). A veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan; Col Dynan led a Company in Ramadi, Iraq during the Al Anbar awakening (2006-07) and was a company commander during the Marine Corps’ initial deployment to Helmand Province in 2008. In subsequent combat deployments, Col Dynan was assigned as a planner; to include assignment as the lead planner for Counter Narcotics and Counter Threat Finance in Helmand Province in 2011-12 and Operations Officer for the 24th MEU during the evacuation of the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa, Yemen in 2015. Additionally, Col Dynan has conducted three non-combat deployments to South East Asia throughout his career.
Following Battalion Command and Top Level School, Lieutenant Colonel Dynan was assigned as a US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) J5 strategic planner and lead planner for The Special Operations Forces Operating Concept 2030. Following his joint tour at USSOCOM, Col Dynan led the Cyber Operations – Integrated Planning Element at USSOCOM, supporting USSOCOM components offensive and defensive cyber operations globally on behalf of MARFORCYBER and US Cyber Command.
Prior to arriving at US Marine Corps Forces, Central Command Chief of Staff, Col Dynan commanded 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) from July 2021 to January 2025, conducting a deployment with the BOXER Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) from January to November 2024. Additionally, he served as the Assistant Division Commander, 1st Marine Division from January to June 2025.
His personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with combat “V”, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars, Navy Commendation Medal with combat “V” and gold star, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon with gold star, and Sea Service ribbon with silver and two gold stars. He has earned a Masters in Military Studies, a Masters in Operational Studies, and a Masters in National Security and Strategic Studies. He is a distinguished graduate of the Marine Corps Command and Staff College and graduated with highest distinction from Naval War College.