Brigadier General Simon Doran

Commanding General and Vice Chief of Naval Research Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory & US Futures Directorate

Brigadier General Doran was born in Liverpool, England. He graduated from Purdue University in 1993 and was commissioned a 2nd Lt in the U.S. Marine Corps. Upon completion of The Basic School, he attended flight training and was designated an FA18 Hornet pilot. Over the next twenty years he served as a pilot in VMFA-251, served as an instructor at the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN), a F/A-18 Hornet, F-16 Fighting Falcon and deployed numerous times. He has served in a number of leadership roles including the U.S. Senior Representative to the Commander U.K. Carrier Strike Group, Director of Strategy and Plans, HQMC Plans, Policies and Operations and most recently as the Commanding General of the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory/Futures Directorate. Brigadier General Doran’s decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Joint Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with one gold star, three individual Air Medals; two with combat distinguishing device, seven strike flight Air Medal awards, Navy Commendation Medal with two gold stars, and various unit awards. BGen Doran has flown over 600 combat hours in the F/A-18 and F-35B, was the 2012 recipient of the USMC Tailhooker of the Year award and has over 800 landings on nine different aircraft carriers. In addition to his degree from Perdue University he is also a graduate of the Naval War College, holding a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies as well as the Air War College where he graduated with distinction and earned a Master of Strategic Studies.