Major Joel Del Rosario enlisted in June 2005. He graduated as a Lance Corporal on September 2005 from Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island. After graduating from Marine Combat Training, he attended Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Defense School in Fort Leonardwood, Missouri, receiving the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) of CBRN Specialist (5711) in May of 2006.
In May 2006, Lance Corporal Del Rosario checked into 1st Marine Logistics Group, Combat Logistics Regiment 17. From October 2006 to November 2007, Corporal Del Rosario deployed with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Command Element as the Enhanced CBRN Defense Specialist in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
During combat operations, while in a convoy attached to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, the convoy was ambushed, and Corporal Del Rosario’s vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device. Though injured by shrapnel and concussed, Corporal Del Rosario stayed in the fight. For his actions during the engagement and injuries received, he was awarded the Purple Heart Medal.
From March 2008 to May 2010, then Sergeant Del Rosario was the CBRN Chief for 2d Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO). During his time in 2d ANGLICO, Sergeant Del Rosario deployed to Afghanistan as a Current Fires NCO in the Fires and Effects Coordination Center in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. On this deployment, Sergeant Del Rosario was selected for the Marine Enlisted to Commission Education Program (MECEP). After successfully completing the deployment in 2010, he checked into George Washington Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC), and attended the University of Maryland, College Park.
In May of 2013, Staff Sergeant Del Rosario graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, with a degree in Studio Art and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. Upon completion of The Basic School in 2014 and Basic Communications Officer Course in 2015, he reported to Communications Company, Headquarters Regiment, 1st Marine Logistics Group to serve as the Transmission Platoon Commander. In December of 2015, First Lieutenant Del Rosario checked into Combat Logistics Battalion 15 (CLB-15) as the Communications Officer.
During his time at CLB-15, he deployed as part of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit in support of the operations in the West of the Pacific. He was promoted to Captain, and upon return in 2018, was ordered to report to Rutgers University and Princeton University NROTC as the Marine Officer Instructor and Assistant Professor of Naval Science to train, mentor, evaluate, and screen future Navy and Marine Corps officers.
In June 2021, Major Del Rosario accepted a Reserve Commission and transitioned from the Active Component to the Active Reserve component. He served as the 4th Marine Division Assistant Chief of Staff G-6. During his time as the G-6, he was responsible for the planning, implementation, and operation of communications equipment across 4th Marine Division, which included personnel and units across the United States. Additionally, he was responsible for the planning, and supervision of communications for three Reserve Integrated Training Exercises (R-ITX), UNITAS, and Operation ALLIES WELCOME.
In order to provide more capability to the Active Reserve Forces, Major Del Rosario was approved to train as a Logistics Officer. The additional MOS would allow Major Del Rosario to support more units across Marine Forces Reserve.
Major Del Rosario’s personal decorations include the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two gold stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal with a bronze star, a Combat Action Ribbon, and the Purple Heart medal.
