Biography

After enlisting in the Marine Corps in November 1983, Mr. Kucala attended recruit training at Parris Island, South Carolina. Assigned to the Basic Field Radio Operator Course at MAGCC, Twenty-nine Palms, California, Mr. Kucala was designated a Field Radio Operator. Subsequently, he was assigned to the 4th MARDIV, Third Force Reconnaissance Company, Mobile, Alabama. In May 1986, he graduated from the University of West Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in US History; he was commissioned the same year. As a Second Lieutenant, he reported to Quantico, Virginia, where he attended the Basic School and Basic Communications Officers Course. In 1987, Mr. Kucala reported to Pensacola, Florida for flight training. Designated a Ground Electronic Warfare Officer in October 1987, he reported to Company K MARSPTBN as the Company Executive Officer. In January 1988, he reported to Headquarters MARSPTBN, Washington DC for Cryptologic Division Officers Course. Ordered to 2d Radio Battalion, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina in May 1988, he served in a variety of billets that included Platoon Commander, Detachment OIC, and Company Executive Officer. During this period, he deployed to Norway, Panama, Saudi Arabia, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean. During Operations DESERT SHIELD/STORM, he served as the Direct Support Unit “C” commander; he and his Marines supported combat operations from the onset of hostilities to Kuwait City. In June 1991, then Captain Kucala was assigned to Company L, MARSPTBN, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba as the Company Executive Officer and NSGA Officer. During this tour, he attended Troy State University, GITMO Campus and received his Master’s of Arts degree in Public Administration in 1993. During the academic year 1993, he attended Amphibious Warfare School, Quantico, Virginia. Upon graduation, he was assigned to Sub Unit 1, Company A MARSPTBN in Denver, Colorado. In May 1995, the Sub Unit was officially designated Company A, MARSPTBN and Captain Kucala assumed duties as the Company Commander. Assigned to HQBN, HQMC in July 1997, then Major Kucala was assigned to Space and Information Operations Branch, Plans Division, PP&O as an information warfare officer. In 2000-2001, he attended the Marine Corps Command and Staff College. Upon completion of his studies, he proceeded to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina where he reported to the 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit as the MEU Intelligence Officer. In November 2002, Major Kucala was assigned to 2d MEB, Task Force Tarawa, where he served as a COC Intelligence Watch Officer during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM I. He was then promoted to lieutenant colonel and became the MEB G2. Reassigned to HQMC, Intelligence Department in August 2003, he served as the Intelligence OCCFLD Manager and Branch Head for the Intelligence Operations and Personnel (OP) Branch. Lieutenant Colonel Kucala was assigned to the Marine Corps Intelligence Activity in July 2005, where he assumed command of the Production and Analysis Company until his retirement from active duty in September 2006.

Mr. Kucala joined MCIA as a civilian in 2006 and has served in a variety of billets. He was the Deputy for Production, Production & Analysis Company from June 2006 to September 2008. In 2008, he was promoted to GG15 and served as MCIA’s Deputy for Operations from September 2008 until August 2014. In August 2014, Mr. Kucala became MCIA’s chief of staff, a position he held until was named MCIA’s Command Deputy in June 2018.