Matthew Trollinger

Matthew G. Trollinger is a United States Marine Corps major general who has served as the chief of staff of United States Africa Command since July 1, 2024. He served as the commander of United States Marine Forces Special Operations Command from May 2022 to June 2024. He served as the Deputy Director for Politico-Military Affairs (Middle East) of the Joint Staff. He was previously the Commanding General of the 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade from July 2018 to July 6, 2020.

Military career Trollinger graduated from the Old Dominion University and received his commission into the Marine Corps in 1990 as an infantry officer. Trollinger has a diverse background in reconnaissance, security forces, and special operations, deploying numerous times in support of both routine and emergent requirements. Trollinger has held commands to include the Naval Amphibious Force, Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion, and 1st Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team Company. Trollinger also served as the Operations Officer for a Marine Expeditionary Unit as well as a Battalion Landing Team. In 1998, Trollinger graduated from the Amphibious Warfare School, and in 2011 he was the Commandant of the Marine Corps Fellow with the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

In June 2012, Trollinger was assigned as the Military Assistant to the Deputy Undersecretary of the Navy for Plans, Policy, Oversight and Integration. He took command of the United States Marine Forces Special Operations Command from Major General James F. Glynn on May 23, 2022.

Personal life Trollinger is married, and he and his wife, Nancy, have two children.

Awards and decorations Trollingers' decorations and medals include:

Marine Special Operator InsigniaDefense Superior Service MedalBronze Star Medal with award starLegion of MeritDefense Meritorious Service Medal Meritorious Service Medal with award starNavy Commendation MedalJoint Service Achievement MedalNavy Achievement Medal with award starsCombat Action RibbonJoint Meritorious Unit Award with two bronze oak leaf clustersNavy Meritorious Unit Commendation with three bronze service starsNational Defense Service Medal with one bronze service starArmed Forces Expeditionary MedalAfghanistan Campaign Medal with two bronze service starsGlobal War on Terrorism Expeditionary MedalGlobal War on Terrorism Service MedalKorea Defense Service MedalSea Service Deployment Ribbon with eight service starsUnited Nations Medal NATO Medal Rifle Expert Badge Pistol Expert Badge Marine Corps Combatant Diver Insignia Navy and Marine Corps Parachutist Badge Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge