Major General Ronald L. Bailey was born to Donald Bailey and Martha Bailey in St. Augustine. He attended local schools.

While at SAHS, he was a member of the Lettermen’s Club, Executive Board and Tri Sigma. He played split-end, kicked extra points and safety for the Yellow Jacket football team.He ran track for two years and played basketball and baseball.He was voted Most School Spirited by his peers in his Senior Year.

Upon graduating SAHS in 1973, he attended Austin Peay State University on a football scholarship earning a Bachelor of Science degree in biology in 1977. On July 1, 1977, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps. After graduation from The Basic School, Infantry Officers course and the Basic Communication Officers Course in August 1978, he was ordered to the 3rd Marine Division in Okinawa, Japan to serve with 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines as a Rifle Platoon Commander and 81mm Mortar Platoon Commander.

In October 1979, he was assigned to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC as a Series Commander, Battalion S-3 and Commanding Officer of Company F, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion. During this tour, he earned a Masters Degree in Business Management and Administration from Webster University. In August 1983, he returned to Quantico to attend the Amphibious Warfare School. After graduation in 1984, he joined 1st Battalion, 6th Marines at Camp Lejune where he served as the Commanding Officer of Company C and Weapons Company Commander. In 1987 he transferred to Kings Bay, GA where he activated the Security Forces company and served as the Guard Company Commander. From August 1989 to June 1992, he served at Marine Barracks, 8th and I, Washington, DC as Department Chief, Professional Military Education and marched as the Parade Commander.

In June 1992, he attended Army Command and General Staff College. Graduating in 1993, he joined 2d Light Armored Infantry Battalion as the Executive Officer. From 1995 to 1997, he assumed command of the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion. From August 1997 to 1998, he attended National Was College, Washington, DC where he earned his second Masters Degree in National Security Strategy. In June 1998, he was assigned to Headquarters Marine Corps, Manpower Management office as the ground Lieutenant Colonels Monitor.

In June 2000, he was assigned as the Deputy, Joint Contact Team Program and Plans Officer, J-5, headquarters US European Command, Stuttgart, Germany.From 2002 to 2004 he commanded the 2d Marine Regiment. From 2004 to 2005 he was assigned as the CMC National Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations.In July 2005, he was assigned as the Director, Expeditionary Warfare School in Quantico, Virginia. He assumed duties as Deputy Director for Operations, J3 Joint Staff in May 2006.

In July 2007, he assumed command of the 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade and concurrently began duties as the Deputy Commanding General, III MEF.His awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal with bronze oak leaf, Legion of Merit w/combat V, Meritorious Service with 2 gold stars, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold star, the Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Presidential Unit Citation and the Combat Action Ribbon.

In March of 2010, was nominated for appointment to the rank of major general. He was serving as the commanding general, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, and commanding general, Western Recruiting Region in San Diego.

Ronald is the first African-American to lead a Marine Regimental Combat Team into combat and the first African-American to hold the post of director of the Expeditionary Warfare School.

He is a life member of Alpha Phi Fraternity of the National Naval Officers Association, Montford Point Military Association and Marine Corps Association.He has volunteered as a Big Brother, tutored in elementary schools in Washington and Jacksonville, NC, coached Pop Warner and is a Toastmaster.

He remains a member of St. Cyprian Episcopal Church in St. Augustine.

Major General Ronald L. Bailey, SA/KHS Hall of Fame inductee 2010.

“Talk is cheap. Let’s see what you’ve got!”