Captain Chris Banks graduated from Radford University earning a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice in 2013. Captain Banks also earned his Master's Degree in criminal justice and a Certificate in Crime Analysis from Radford University in 2015. Following graduation, he earned his commission through the Officer Candidate Course in 2015.
Upon graduation of The Basic School, Captain Banks attended Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School, earning the designation as a Low Altitude Air Defense Officer. His initial assignment was with 3d Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Battalion (Bn) at Camp Pendleton, California, where he served as a Platoon Commander. During his time as a platoon commander he deployed to Bahrain in support of Operation Inherent Resolve in an Air Base Ground Security role. On August 11, 2017 he was promoted to First Lieutenant. Following is time as a platoon commander he was selected to be the Battalion Adjutant and Legal Officer. Following his staff billet then First Lieutenant Banks served as the Battery Executive Officer for Bravo Battery, 3d LAAD Bn.
Following his time with 3d LAAD Bn, Captain Banks joined the Ground Based Air Defense Program Office under Program Executive Officer Land Systems. During this time, he served as the Light Marine Air Defense Integrated System Project Officer as well as the Marine Air Defense Integrated System Project Officer.
Following his time with Program Manager Ground Based Air Defense, Captain Banks attended the United States Army's Air Defense Artillery Captains Career Course in 2022. Upon graduation, Captain Banks joined 2d LAAD Bn in Cherry Point, North Carolina. Captain Banks currently serves as the Battery Commander for Bravo Battery and the Battalion Executive Officer, 2d Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion. During this time he received orders to deploy with Marine Rotational Force-Europe in April 2023.
His military schools and education consist of; The Basic School, Low Altitude Air Defense Officer Course, Low Altitude Air Defense Enhanced Tactics Instructor Course, Marine Corps University College of Distance Education Training - Expeditionary Warfare School, Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course, Defense Acquisition Certification Level I and the Army's Air Defense Artillery Captains Career Course.
Captain Banks personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with one gold star in lieu of second award and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.