Lieutenant Colonel Cato enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in July of 1993. After attending Recruit Training at Parris Island and School of Infantry at Camp Lejeune, he reported to 3d Bn 24th Marine Regiment in Evansville, Indiana as a 0311. He later transferred to Military Police (MP) Company A in Kentucky where he became a 5811.
While a Reservist, Lieutenant Colonel Cato attended the University of Eastern Kentucky where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Lieutenant Colonel Cato later received his commission in July of 1997 and reported to The Basic School (TBS).
Upon graduation of TBS and MP Officer’s Basic Course, Lieutenant Colonel Cato was assigned to Camp Butler, Okinawa where he worked as the Antiterrorism Action Officer.
From Japan, Lieutenant Colonel Cato was assigned to the 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit where he participated in two deployments to Iraq.
In 2008, Lieutenant Colonel Cato received orders to the Provost Marshal Office (PMO), Camp Lejeune as the Operations Officer. For the last seven years, he has worked as the Provost Marshal for MCAS Beaufort, MCRD Parris Island, and most recently, Camp Lejeune.
Lieutenant Colonel Cato has served in the MP community for his entire career. He has participated in both supporting establishments as well as the operating forces. He has also attended and graduated from various law enforcement and military schools and training venues, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy, Expeditionary Warfare School, and Command and Staff College.
Lieutenant Colonel Cato assumed command of Security Battalion, MCI-NCR-MCB Quantico in July 2015.L