Major Robert W. Dumke II was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in May 2013. Following his commissioning, he attended The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia, graduating with Echo Company in December 2014.
In January 2015, Major Dumke reported to Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida, to begin Aviation Preflight Indoctrination. He was promoted to First Lieutenant in May 2015 and subsequently completed primary flight training in 2016 with Training Squadron 27 at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas. He continued his flight training at NAS Kingsville, Texas, where he completed intermediate and advanced jet training with Training Squadron 22. Promoted to Captain in December 2017, Major Dumke earned his Wings of Gold in June 2018.
After earning his wings, Major Dumke reported to Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101 aboard Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar in San Diego, California, to train on the F/A-18C/D Hornet. Upon completion of his training in May 2020, he joined Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 aboard MCAS Beaufort, in Beaufort, South Carolina. There, Major Dumke served as a logistics officer and participated in two Unit Deployment Programs (UDPs), a Red Flag exercise at Nellis Air Force Base, and a Service-Level Training Exercise (SLTE). During this time, he earned his qualifications as both a Section Leader and Division Leader.
In June 2023, Major Dumke transferred to Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224, where he participated in another SLTE before attending Aviation Safety Officer (ASO) School in September 2023, and serving as the squadron ASO. In November 2023, Major Dumke deployed with the squadron to Finland to participate in Exercise Freezing Winds 23. After promoting to Major in February 2024, he deployed on UDP 24-2, during which he earned his Mission Commander qualification. In December 2024, Major Dumke assumed the role of squadron Executive Officer.
Major Dumke is slated to attend the Marine Corps Command and Staff College in July 2025. Upon graduation, he will transition to the F-35 Lightning II platform, continuing his career as a Marine Corps aviator and leader.
Major Dumke’s personal awards include a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.