LtCol Joshua Freedman, USMC
G-3X
35th Annual Special Operations Symposium
Early Life and Education
LtCol Joshua David Freedman was born in Houston, Texas, and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he attended La Cueva High School. During his youth, he developed a deep respect for hard work and community, which shaped his approach to leadership. Through involvement in athletics and volunteer labor, LtCol Freedman learned early on the importance of teamwork, discipline, and service to others.
Academia and Early Military Training
Following high school, LtCol Freedman attended the New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI), where he embraced both academic and military challenges. His time at NMMI helped him develop essential leadership skills and a strong foundation in both academics and military traditions. His dedication was recognized, and he was selected to attend the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, where he further strengthened his commitment to serving as a Marine officer and upholding the values of honor, courage, and commitment.
Commissioning and Infantry Service
Upon graduation in 2007, LtCol Freedman was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps and assigned to Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment (3/3) in Hawaii. As a young officer, LtCol Freedman was fortunate to lead a talented Platoon of Marines and learn from many senior leaders who shaped his understanding of leadership. His platoon was often recognized for its cohesion and discipline, and LtCol Freedman remained focused on improving his leadership skills, drawing on the expertise of those around him.
Over the next 3 years, LtCol Freedman participated in numerous deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan and training exercises, where he gained valuable experience in diverse and challenging environments. Each opportunity was a learning experience that shaped his understanding of what it means to lead in complex situations, always prioritizing the welfare and success of his Marines.
Transition to MARSOC
In 2010, LtCol Freedman sought to broaden his scope of service by applying to Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC). After completing the rigorous selection process and the demanding Individual Training Course (ITC) in 2012, LtCol Freedman earned the prestigious title of Marine Raider and was assigned to 3rd Marine Raider Battalion.
Team Commander, 3rd Marine Raider Battalion
From 2012 to 2015, Captain LtCol Freedman served as a Team Commander with 3rd Marine Raider Battalion, where he had the honor of leading a small, specialized team of Raiders in support of a wide range of operational missions. In this role, LtCol Freedman privilege of deploying alongside some of America's finest men in the most demanding environments. His team executed numerous high-priority operations, often in austere and dynamic settings.
Post Team Command LtCol Freedman was selected to be Aide-de-Camp to the MARSOC Commander, where he gained a deeper understanding of the strategic level of operations and was humbled by the responsibility entrusted to him.
Advanced Education and Focus on Space Operations
LtCol Freedman attend the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), where he earned a Master’s degree in Computer Science (CS) with a focus on Space Operations.
Program Manager for C4I
After completing his studies, LtCol Freedman had the privilege of serving as a Program Manager for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) at the component level. In this position, he worked with talented individuals across the Marine Corps and SOCOM to improve communication and intelligence systems that are crucial for mission success.
Command of a Marine Special Operations Company (MSOC)
After his time as a Program Manager, LtCol Freedman transitioned into a leadership role as the Commanding Officer of Marine Special Operations Company (MSOC) N. In this capacity, he worked with an exceptional group of Marine Raiders to plan and execute critical missions in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
Command of Task Force X
After Commanding MSOC N, LtCol Freedman was assigned to Joint Forces Headquarters Cyber Marines where he was a plank-holder in the establishment of MARSOCs Cross-Functional Teams, Cyber Mission Elements and the first commander of Task Force X a joint unit under JFHQ-C (M).
LtCol Freedman is married to Summer L. Freedman and they have six children: Ciara (19), Piper (13), Nova (11), Aspen (8), Wyatt (4) and Solomon (2).
Military Awards and Honors:
- Bronze Star Medal
- Defense Meritorious Service Medal
- Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Gold Star
- Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
- Iraq Campaign Medal
- Afghanistan Campaign Medal
- Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
- Combat Action Ribbon
- Foreign Medal