Col. Xavier Colón received his commission into the Ordnance Corps and branch detailed into the Infantry from the ROTC Program in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico in 1999.
He went on to complete the Psychological Operations (PSYOP) Qualification Course in 2007. Prior to his arrival at 5th Recruiting Brigade, he served as Chief of Staff, United States Special Operations Command-Washington, Pentagon.
His previous assignments include Director, Information Operations, Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC); Commander, 5th Battalion, 1st Special Warfare Training Group (A), United States Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School (USAJFKSWCS); Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Branch Chief, Deputy Directorate for Global Operations Joint Staff J-39, Pentagon; PSYOP Division Chief (J39), Special Operations Command South, Homestead, Florida; Task Force J3, Information Operations Task Force-Afghanistan, USFOR-A; Commander, A Company, 1st PSYOP BN, 8th PSYOP Group; Chief, Training Officer, PSYOP Doctrine and Training, USAJFKSWCS; Commander, Operational Detachment 1A32, 1st PSYOP BN, 4th PSYOP Group (A); Commander, Maintenance Company, 3d Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (A), 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in general science from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, a Master of Arts in national security studies from the American Military University, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the Army War College.
His military education includes the Infantry Officer Basic Course, the Combined Logistics Captains Career Course, Combined Arms Services and Staff School, the Psychological Operations Qualification Course, the Latin American Regional Studies Course, and the Command General Staff College at the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation.
His awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2 OLC), the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal with OLC, the Army Commendation Medal (4 OLC), the National Defense Medal, the Joint Staff Identification Badge, the Recruiting Badge, the Master Parachutist Badge, and the Air Assault Badge. His foreign awards include the Honduran Meritorious Medal Second Class and Parachutist Badges from nine Latin American countries. Col. Colón is also a recipient of the Major General Robert A. McClure Silver Medallion and the Order of Saint Barbara.