Military Science

LTC Mark S. Christiansen

LTC Mark Christiansen

Title: Professor
Department: Military Science
Office Phone: (309) 298-1161
Email: MS-Christiansen@wiu.edu

LTC Mark Christiansen assumed command of the Western Illinois University, “Leatherneck” Battalion, on 30 June 2023. Prior to his arrival at WIU, LTC Christiansen served as an Assistant Professor at the US Army Command and General Staff College, where he provided instruction on strategic concepts.

LTC Christiansen spent the majority of his time as Major stationed in South Korea from August 2016 to August 2020. He served as the Battalion Executive Officer for the 6th Battalion, 37th Field Artillery Regiment at Camp Casey, Korea. LTC Christiansen also served as the Chief of Fires in the 8th Army Digital Liaison Detachment, Camp Yongin, Korea prior to being stationed at Camp Casey. His first assignment as a Major was at the University of New Haven, CT where he served as the Assistant Professor of Military Science from July 2014 to August 2016.

As a Captain, LTC Christiansen commanded Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 4th Battalion, 42nd Field Artillery at Fort Carson, CO. He deployed with his battery in support of Operation Spartan Shield to Kuwait in 2013. Prior to battery command, LTC Christiansen served as the Squadron Fire Support Officer for 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment where he deployed to Afghanistan in Support of Operation Enduring Freedom in July 2010.

LTC Christiansen was stationed at Fort Campbell, KY prior to his time at Fort Carson. While stationed at Fort Campbell, he served as a Battalion Supply Officer, Fire Direction Officer, Cannon Platoon Leader, and Company Fire Support Officer. LTC Christiansen deployed multiple times while stationed at Fort Campbell. In March 2008, he deployed as a Cannon Platoon Leader with 4 th Battalion, 320 th Field Artillery Regiment where he provided cannon fire for Special Operations A-Teams in Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan. He also deployed with 1st Battalion, 506 th Infantry Regiment, “Currahee”, in November 2006, as a Company Fire Support Officer to Ramadi, Iraq where he participated in the Battle of Ramadi.

LTC Christiansen is a graduate of the Command and General Staff College, the Field Artillery Captains’ Career Course and the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course. He holds a Master of Science in National Security Studies from the University of New Haven and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Louisiana State University. LTC Christiansen received his commission from the Louisiana State University ROTC program in May 2004. His awards include the Bronze Star Medal (2 OLC), Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal (5 OLC), Army Commendation Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal (1 OLC). He is authorized to wear the Combat Action Badge, Parachutist and Air Assault badges.

LTC Christiansen is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and is married to his wife of 19 years, Rachel Christiansen.