U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve

Lieutenant Colonel Burkett was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in April 2000, and began his Marine Corps career as an Active Component Adjutant.

In November 2000, 2nd Lieutenant Burkett was assigned to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, in Cherry Point, NC. During this tour he was seasoned with the opportunity to serve as an Adjutant at all levels from the Squadron, to the Wing. Additionally, during this tour he deployed to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq in conjunction with Operations SOUTHERN WATCH, ENDURING FREEDOM, and IRAQI FREEDOM.

In July 203, 1st Lieutenant Burkett reported to the Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES), located in New Orleans, LA. There he assumed the duties as the Officer in Charge of both the MARFORRES Force Adjutant and Casualty sections. In this capacity, in addition to his Adjutant duties, he was also responsible for training, operations, oversight, and conduct of all MARFORRES Casualty Assistance Calls Officers (CACOs) who during that period conducted over 90% of all Marine Corps death and serious injury notifications and family support missions.

In January 2006, Captain Burkett transitioned out of the Active Component and into the Reserves. In March 2006, Captain Burkett joined L Company, 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marines (3/23) in Montgomery, AL, where, as a drilling Reserve Marine, he served as a rifle platoon commander and Company Executive Officer (XO). From July to September 2006, Captain Burkett attended the Active Component Infantry Officer’s Course, thereby earning the Infantry Officer Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). In 2007, Captain Burkett mobilized with 3/23 in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM deploying to the Al Anbar province of Iraq from September of 2007 through April of 2008. Following this deployment Captain Burkett returned to his drilling status, and was elevated to assume the responsibilities as the 3/23 Battalion Operations Officer.

In January 2009, Major Burkett was accessed into the Active Reserve program, and was again assigned to the MARFORRES headquarters in New Orleans, LA. From January 2009 through May 2010 Major Burkett served as the Operations Officer, MARFORRES G-1. In May 2010, Major Burkett was hand-selected to assume the responsibilities as the XO of the MARFORRES Headquarters Battalion and the Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans.

In July 2011, Major Burkett transferred to the Marine Corps Base Quantico, in Quantico VA. There, he attended the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and additionally earned a Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.

In June 2012 Major Burkett transferred to Headquarters Marine Corps, serving within the Reserve Affairs Division, under the Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. In this billet he served as a Reserve Policy Analyst and had the opportunity to develop and interpret the Department of Defense, Secretary of the Navy, and USMC service level policies guiding the Marine Corps Reserve and shaping its role and envisioned future utilization in the Marine Corps Total Force.

Lieutenant Colonel Burkett’s personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with a gold star, and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.