Colonel Ricky D. Buria is a retired United States Marine Corps officer who has held various leadership and advisory roles within the military and the Department of Defense. As of April 2025, he is on terminal leave from the Marine Corps and is reportedly under consideration for a senior civilian advisory position within the Department of Defense. ([Wikipedia][1])
Early Career and Military Service
Buria began his military career as a pilot with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 VMM-266), operating the MV-22 Osprey aircraft. He held various operational deployments and leadership positions within Marine aviation units. In November 2021, he assumed command of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 362 (VMM-362), known as the “Ugly Angels,” under Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California.
Following his command of VMM-362, Buria served as the executive officer at The Basic School (TBS), the Marine Corps’ primary training institution for newly commissioned officers.
Pentagon Service
In April 2024, Buria was appointed as a junior military assistant to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. After the confirmation of Secretary Pete Hegseth, Buria remained in his position and temporarily served as acting senior military assistant. He has been described as one of Hegseth’s closest advisers, assisting in strategic planning and policy development.
Transition to Civilian Role
In April 2025, Buria submitted his retirement paperwork and entered terminal leave, marking his transition out of active service. Reports indicate that he is under consideration for a senior civilian advisory position within the Department of Defense, potentially as chief of staff to Secretary Hegseth. Although promoted to colonel in the fall of 2024, he may require a waiver to retire at that rank due to standard military regulations.
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