Operational Planning Course Director
Lieutenant Colonel Troy J. Van Zummeren was born in Bethesda, Maryland. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Engineering from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in 2006. A Marine Infantry Officer, Second Lieutenant Van Zummeren graduated Infantry Officer Course in September 2007. Second Lieutenant Van Zummeren reported to 2d Battalion 2d Marine Division in October 2007, where he served initially as a Rifle Platoon Commander for Echo Company, deploying in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM from April through October 2008. Upon return from deployment, he was assigned as Echo Company Executive Officer and promoted to First Lieutenant. For six months, Captain Van Zummeren served as both Executive Officer and Company Commander. In June of 2009 he became the Battalion Assistant Operations Officer and deployed in this capacity in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM from October 2009 through April 2010.
First Lieutenant Van Zummeren reported to Marine Corps Forces Command (MARFORCOM), Headquarters and Service Battalion in Norfolk, Virginia as the Operations Officer in June 2010, and was promoted to Captain in January 2011.. During his time at MARFORCOM, he completed the Marine Corps Expeditionary Warfare School Distance Education Program and served as a board member on the fiscal year 2011 Gunnery Sergeant Promotion Board. Captain Van Zummeren continued to serve as the Operations Officer until November 2012.
In November 2012, he began studies at the U.S. Army’s Maneuver Captain Career Course (MCCC), Fort Benning, Georgia. He graduated from MCCC on the Commandant’s List in May 2013, and received orders to School of Infantry West, Marine Combat Training Battalion in Camp Pendleton, California.
Captain Van Zummeren served as Hotel Company’s Executive Officer from July to December 2013. In December 2013, he assumed command of Fox Company and served as the Company Commander until October 2014. During that time, he attended the Light Armored Vehicle Leaders Course.
In October 2014, Captain Van Zummeren reported to 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance (LAR) Battalion, and assumed the duties of Assistant Operations Officer. In March 2015, he attended Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course, Ground Combat Division in Yuma, Arizona, and upon his graduation and return to 1st LAR, assumed command of Charlie Company.
In July 2016, Captain Van Zummeren departed 1st LAR, and reported for duty at the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) as the Assistant Operations Officer. During this tour, he completed the Marine Corps Command and Staff College Distance Education Program as a distinguished graduate. He was promoted to Major in October 2016, and deployed on the WESTPAC 17-2 deployment from July 2017 through March 2018.
From June 2018 to June 2019, he attended the Marine Corps University’s School of Advanced Warfighting and earned a Master’s Degree in Operational Studies.
Upon graduation, Major Van Zummeren reported to Headquarters Marine Corps, Plans Policies & Operations (PP&O) Strategy Branch (PLS) as an operational planner. From July 2019 to September 2021, Major Van Zummeren conducted service level planning in support of Force Design 2030, Joint Staff planning and coordination, Naval Strategy development, and strategy and policy analysis for Marine Corps senior leaders.
From September 2021 to March 2022, he deployed to Kuwait and Iraq in support of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation INHERENT RESOLVE as the Deputy, Chief of Operations-Plans. While deployed, Major Van Zummeren served as an operational planner for deterrence and combat operations. During that time, he completed studies with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Seminar XXI Program.
In May 2022, Major Van Zummeren reported to the School of Advanced Warfighting as the Operational Planning Course Director, and in October was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. Lieutenant Colonel Van Zummeren’s personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Gold star, Joint Service Achievement Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Gold star.