Colonel Nicol is a native of Canon City, CO. He graduated from the Navy’s Recruit Training Command in 1995. While a recruit, Colonel Nicol was selected for a NROTC scholarship.
In 1995 Colonel Nicol was transferred to the Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Center, San Diego for primary training. While attending primary training, Colonel Nicol graduated from Sonar Tech A-School, Basic Acoustic Analysis, and Digital Electronic Training. He was also promoted to the rank of Seaman.
In 1996, Colonel Nicol transferred to the Marquette University NROTC Unit and was placed in an inactive reserve status.
Colonel Nicol was commissioned a Second Lieutenant upon graduation from the Marquette University in 2000 with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in History. He also graduated The Basic School in 2000 and the Army’s Armor Basic Officer Leaders Course in 2001.
Colonel Nicol served as the 2d Platoon Commander for Company D, Executive Officer for Company C, and Battalion Legal Officer, 2d Tank Battalion, 2d Marine Division from 2001 to 2004. During this tour, he deployed in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM I.
In 2004, Colonel Nicol was assigned to Recruiting Station Phoenix, Eighth Marine Corps District, Western Recruiting Region where he served as an Officer Selection Officer-Phoenix. In 2004 he was promoted to Captain. During this assignment, Colonel Nicol was awarded as the District Officer Selection Officer of the Year for Fiscal Year 2006 and received the Centurion Award for contracting over 100 officer applicants. Additionally, he completed the Amphibious Warfare School Phase I seminar program.
In 2007, Colonel Nicol attended the Expeditionary Warfare School.
In 2008, Colonel Nicol transferred to 2d Tank Battalion, 2d Marine Division where he served as the Commanding Officer Headquarters and Service Company and subsequently as the Battalion Operations Officer and Battalion Executive Officer. During his tenure with 2d Tank Battalion he completed another deployment as a Brigade Combat Operations Advisor with the 2d Iraqi Brigade, 1st Iraqi Division.
In 2010, Colonel Nicol was transferred to Expeditionary Warfare School, Marine Corps University. Additionally, in 2010, Colonel Nicol was promoted to the rank of Major. During this tour as a career level school instructor Colonel Nicol served as the Academic Plans Officer, a Faculty Advisor, and a Program Director. For Academic Year 2015-2016, Colonel Nicol was a finalist for the Marine Corps University Rose Award. This award is presented to the most outstanding educators within the University. Additionally, Colonel Nicol completed the Marine Corps Command and Staff seminar program.
In 2013, Colonel Nicol assumed command of Recruiting Station Dallas, Eighth Marine Corps District, Western Recruiting Region. During his three-year tenure as the Commanding Officer, Recruiting Station Dallas was designated as a Commandant of the Marine Corps Superior Achiever for Fiscal Years 2013 and 2014.
In 2016, Colonel Nicol attended the School of Advanced Warfighting and graduated with a master’s degree in Operational Studies.
In 2017, Colonel was transferred to 2d Marine Division where he served as the G-3 Future Operations Officer and the Plans Officer. In 2017, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel.
In 2018, Colonel Nicol assumed command of 2d Tank Battalion, 2d Marine Division. During his tenure, 2d Tank Battalion was the 2019 II Marine Expeditionary Force Lieutenant General Chesty Puller Outstanding Leadership Award recipient.
In 2020, Colonel Nicol attended the US Army War College and its Advanced Strategic Arts Program, where he graduated with a master’s degree in Strategic Studies.
In 2021, Colonel Nicol transferred to Joint Special Operations Command where he served as a operational/strategic planner and served as the Task Force Liaison Officer to US Central Command. In 2022, he was promoted to his current rank.
Colonel Nicol’s decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with two Gold Star, the Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal with combat distinguishing “V” device and one Gold Star, the Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal with one Gold Star, the Combat Action Ribbon, and the Presidential Unit Citation.