Draft:Ricky D. Buria

LtCol Ricky D. Buria, USMC

Ricky D. Buria is a United States Marine Corps officer who has served in various leadership and advisory roles, including as the executive officer of The Basic School (TBS), commanding officer of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 362 (VMM-362), and junior military assistant to Secretaries of Defense Lloyd Austin and Pete Hegseth. 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.

Early career

Buria began his career as a pilot with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 (VMM-266), where he operated the MV-22 Osprey, a tiltrotor aircraft used for assault support missions. His early assignments included various operational deployments and leadership positions within Marine aviation units.

Command positions

In November 2021, Buria assumed command of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 362 (VMM-362), also known as the “Ugly Angels,” under Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, during a change of command ceremony 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

Buria was appointed as a junior military assistant to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin in April 2024. After the confirmation of Secretary Pete Hegseth, Buria remained in his position, temporarily serving as acting senior military assistant. He has been described as one of Hegseth’s closest advisers, assisting in strategic planning and policy development.

Retirement and future 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.