Carolyn D. Bird
Lieutenant Colonel
United States Marine Corps
LtCol Bird was born in Redwood City, California. She received a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Missouri Western State University in December 1993 and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant through the Platoon Leaders Class program in December 1993.
Upon completion of The Basic School, Quantico, Virginia in July 1995, she transferred to Marine Corps Air Station El Toro where she served as the Adjutant and S-1 for Marine Air Control Group 38. During this tour, she completed the Administrative Officers Course, Naval Legal Officers Course and the Department of Defense Equal Opportunity Managers Course.
During December 1998, she reported to Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3d Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar as the Adjutant and S-1 Officer.
In December 1999, she reported to 3d Marine Aircraft Wing headquarters to serve as the Personnel Officer. Captain Bird then became the Adjutant for 3d MAW in March 2001. Shortly thereafter, she became the Staff Secretary, and filled both positions simultaneously until October 2001. At this time, she was selected as the Aide-de-Camp for 3d Marine Aircraft Wing Commanding General, where she served until August 2002.
During August 2002, Captain Bird transferred to Marine Recruit Depot Parris Island and was assigned as a Series Commander for Oscar Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion. After two recruit training cycles, she became the Executive Officer of Oscar Company, where she served for two months before taking command of November Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion in March 2003. After promotion to Major in July, 2003, she became the Executive Officer, 4th Recruit Training Battalion. In April 2005, Major Bird was selected to establish a protocol office for the Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island/Eastern Recruiting Region.
From June 2006 to June 2007, Major Bird attended Army Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. She then served as the Deputy Director of Manpower, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point from July 2007 to July 2009.
From July 2009 to May 2011, LtCol Bird was the Executive Officer, III MEF Headquarters Group in Okinawa, Japan. She holds a Masters of Science in Global Leadership earned in March 2002. Her personal decorations include Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold star and Marine Corps Drill Instructor Ribbon.