Lieutenant Colonel Brian Kursawe commissioned in the United States Marine Corps on 22 May 2009 at the United States Naval Academy, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. He subsequently completed the Voluntary Graduate Education Program, earning a Masters degree in Computer Science from the Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering in December of 2009.
After completion of The Basic School in 2010, Lieutenant Colonel Kursawe reported to Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL for Aviation Preflight Indoctrination and NAS Whiting Field, FL for Primary flight training at Training Squadron 6. He then proceeded to NAS Corpus Christi, TX where he completed Advanced Multiengine Flight Training with Training Squadron 31 and was designated a Naval Aviator on 9 November 2012.
Lieutenant Colonel Kursawe completed training at the KC-130 Aviation Training Unit at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, NC and reported to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 (VMGR-252) in April of 2013. He served in several billets, including Communications Officer, Flight Duty Officer and Current Operations Officer. At VMGR-252, he deployed in support of the 22d MEU, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Crisis Response (SPMAGTF-CR) 14.2, including support to Operation UNITED ASSISTANCE in response to the Ebola outbreak in western Africa.
In 2016, Lieutenant Colonel Kursawe deployed again in support of SPMAGTF – Crisis Response – Africa (SPMAGTF-CR-AF), serving as detachment Officer in Charge for a two-aircraft detachment, and then Aircraft Maintenance Officer for a consolidated four-aircraft detachment. Upon completion of this deployment, he reported to Marine Corps University in Quantico, VA for the Expeditionary Warfare School.
In 2017, Lieutenant Colonel Kursawe reported to VMGR-152 at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. While serving with the ‘Sumos’, he held the billets of Powerline Officer in Charge, Enlisted Aircrew Training Officer, and Assistant Operations Officer. He completed the Weapons and Tactics Instructor course in the spring of 2018. At the conclusion of his tour at VMGR-152 in 2020, he reported again to Marine Corps University for Marine Corps Command and Staff College, earning a Masters degree in Military Studies.
In 2021, Lieutenant Colonel Kursawe was invited to return to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) as a KC-130 Instructor. During this tour he served as the KC-130 Division Head and the MAWTS-1 Director of Safety and Standardization.
Lieutenant Colonel Kursawe returned to VMGR-252 in June of 2024, serving as the Executive Officer before being selected for command.
Lieutenant Colonel Kursawe’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with one gold star in lieu of second award, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.