A native of Richmond, Virginia, Colonel Ray Gerber was commissioned in the Marine Corps in 1997 after graduating from The Citadel with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.
Following The Basic School, Infantry Officer Course, and the Military Intelligence Officer Basic Course he reported to the 8th Marine Regiment for duties as the Assistant Intelligence Officer. In 1999 he was assigned as the Scout Sniper Platoon Commander for 1st Battalion, 8th Marines. In 2001 Captain Gerber attended resident Amphibious Warfare School and then the MAGTF Intelligence Officer Course. From 2002-2004 he was assigned to the N2 of Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk, VA providing intelligence support to Homeland Security/Homeland Defense. In late 2004 he returned to Camp Lejeune, NC for duty with 3d Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment as the Intelligence Officer for two Operation Iraqi Freedom deployments. In 2006 he was transferred to 8th Marine Regiment for duties as the Intelligence Officer.
In 2007 Major Gerber reported to the Marine Corps Intelligence Activity for duties first as the Middle East Branch Head, and eventually as Deputy for Analysis. In 2009 Major Gerber transferred to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit to serve as the Intelligence Officer. 26th MEU’s 9 ½ month deployment included Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Recovery in Pakistan, support to operations throughout the Horn of Africa, deployment into Afghanistan, and culminated with Operation ODYSSEY DAWN/UNIFIED PROTECTOR in Libya. Following the MEU, he was detailed to the CIA as the USMC’s Service Representative from 2011-2014. As LtCol, he commanded Marine Corps Embassy Security Guard Region 2 (Near East/South Asia) from 2014-2016.
He attended Top Level School at the Marine Corps War College, with subsequent assignment to HQMC where he led the Executive Support Division providing direct intelligence support to the Commandant.
Col Gerber’s awards include the Bronze Star with Combat Distinguishing Device, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars.