Major Michael Johnson was commissioned through the Platoon Leaders Course commissioning program following his graduation from Virginia Military Institute in May, 1995. Following his commissioning, he reported to The Basic School as member of Fox Company in September 1995.
Upon completion of The Basic School, he was assigned a Military Occupational Skill of 0302 (Infantry) and reported to the Infantry Officers Course. Following graduation from IOC, Second Lieutenant Johnson reported to 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines in June 1996 and assumed the duties as Platoon Commander, 2nd Platoon, Company K. In this billet, then Second Lieutenant Johnson participated in Operation SEA DRAGON.
Major Johnson participated in the Unit Deployment Program to Okinawa, Japan in support of the 3rd Marine Division and was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant. While deployed he conducted training at Camp Fuji, Jungle Warfare Training Center and participated in Operation FORREST LIGHT with the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force.
Upon completion of his deployment was reassigned as the executive officer for Company K and Headquarters and Service Company. In November 1998, First Lieutenant Johnson was assigned as the Commanding Officer for the 7th Marines Regimental Headquarters Company.
During this time he completed back to back Combined Arms Exercises and was promoted to the rank of Captain. In August 1999, Captain Johnson reported to The Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego as a Series Commander with Fox Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion.
In January 2000, Captain Johnson was reassigned as the Executive Officer for Special Training Company. In November 2000, reported to the Marines Corps Western Recruiting Region as the Quality Control Officer/ Recruit Liaison Officer In Charge. In July 2002, Captain Johnson was selected to first Expeditionary Warfare School (EWS) in Quantico, Virginia. Upon graduation from EWS in May 2003, Captain Johnson was assigned to 1st Battalion, 6th Marines and was Company A and Headquarters and Service Company Commander. During this tour, Captain Johnson deployed as part of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) and participated in Operation Enduring Freedom in support of Operation Mountain Storm.
In November 2004, Captain Johnson relinquished command of Company A and reported for duty as the Assistant Operations Officer for Regimental Combat Team- 2. In February 2005, Captain Johnson deployed in support of Operation Iraq Freedom 04-06. In August of 2005,
Major Johnson was promoted to his current rank. In May 2006, Major Johnson reported for duty at the United States Naval Academy and was assigned as the Conduct Officer for the Brigade of Midshipmen and the 25th Company Officer. In June 2009, Major Johnson reported for duty as the Operation Officer for the Chemical Biological Incident Response Force in Indian Head, MD. He further serves as a Mission Commander for the Incident Response Force and has participated in Multiple State of the Union addresses, Nuclear Security Summit, 2010 Winter Olympics, and Operation TOMODACHI.
In July 2012 Major Johnson reported for duty as the Executive Officer for Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji Japan. Major Johnson’s personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with two gold stars), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon.