Lieutenant Colonel Zachary Allen embarked on his military career by attending Officer Candidate School during the summers of 2006 and 2008. Following his graduation from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2009, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant then reported to The Basic School at Quantico, Virginia.
Upon graduation from The Basic School in November of 2010, Lieutenant Colonel Allen was assigned to Naval Aviation flight training in Pensacola, Florida. He commenced flight training in June 2011, ultimately selecting the CH-53E Super Stallion, and earned his designation as a Naval Aviator in April 2013.
In September 2013, Lieutenant Colonel Allen completed CH-53E Fleet Replacement Squadron training and was subsequently assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 464, the “Condors.” During his tenure with HMH-464, he served and deployed with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 (REIN) and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit from March 2015 to May 2016 in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and Task Force Spartan aboard the USS Arlington.
Following his deployment, Lieutenant Colonel Allen was selected to attend the Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course in the fall of 2016. Upon graduation, he served as the WTI, Pilot Training Officer, and Assistant Operations Officer for HMH-464 until May 2018.
In the spring of 2018, Lieutenant Colonel Allen was selected to be an instructor at Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1). He concluded his tour at MAWTS-1 as the CH-53E Division Head, a position he held from July 2020 to May 2021.
In June 2021, Lieutenant Colonel Allen attended the Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) course and after graduating, was assigned to Marine Forces Special Operations Command, where he served as the G-7 Air and Fires Officer.
In August 2023, he joined HMH-461, “Ironhorse,” as the Aircraft Maintenance Officer, a role he held until July 2025.
In August 2025, Lieutenant Colonel Allen reported to MAG-29 Headquarters as the Operations Officer before assuming command of HMH-461.
Lieutenant Colonel Allen holds a Master's Degree in Joint Warfare and his personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.