Colonel Robert F. May attended Recruit Training in Parris Island, SC, and subsequently the School of Infantry in Camp Geiger, NC, in 1996, where he received the military occupational specialty (MOS) 0352, TOW Gunner. He served with 4th Marines and 3d Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion completing three deployments to Okinawa between 1994 and 1998. While deployed to Okinawa he was attached to Headquarters Company 4th Marines, the 31st MEU, and Combat Assault Battalion.
In 1998 he reported to Marine Security Guard School in Quantico Virginia. After graduating he served as the Assistant Detachment Commander in Copenhagen, Denmark and as a Security Force team leader for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs at the Pentagon. Once he completed his tour on the Joint Staff he served as the Company Gunnery Sergeant for Headquarters Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps. Colonel May graduated from the University of Maryland University College in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science Degree (BS) in Criminal Justice and was accepted into the Enlisted Commissioning program and graduated Officers Candidates School and commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in December of 2002.
In December 2003, following completion of The Basic School and Infantry Officers Course and LAV Leaders Course, he reported to 2d Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion in Camp Lejeune, NC. He served as a Weapons Platoon Commander and Platoon Commander with Delta Company, LAR Detachment Commander with the 22nd MEU, BLT 1/2, and Executive Officer for Charlie Company. During his tour he deployed to Fallujah, Iraq in 2004, Hit, Iraq from 2005-2006, and Rutbah, Iraq from 2006-2007 all in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In June of 2007, Colonel May reported to School of Infantry (East) located at Camp Geiger, North Carolina. He served as a Company Commander, Instructor Group Officer in Charge, Operations Officer, and Deputy Director of Combat Instructors School. From 2010-2011, he attended and graduated from Expeditionary Warfare School.
In 2011, Colonel May reported to 1st Battalion, 2d Marines. He served as the Alpha Company Commander and Operations Officer completing a deployment as the mechanized Company Commander on the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. After completing his MEU deployment he was selected to serve as the current operations officer for 2d Marines and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
In June 2014, Colonel May was assigned to Marine Corps Recruiting Station Fort Worth as the Commanding Officer until July 2017, completing a successful tour. From 2017-2018 he attended and graduated from Command and Staff College in Quantico, Virginia.
In July 2018, Colonel May reported to 2d Battalion, 1st Marines to assume duties as the Battalion Executive Officer. After being selected to Lieutenant Colonel he assumed the duties as the 1st Marines Regimental Operations Officer.
In January of 2020 Colonel May took command of 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion. He commanded the Battalion from January of 2021 until July of 2022. After command, Colonel May moved to Rome, Italy to attend top level school at the NATO Defense College.
From July of 2022 till June of 2025 Colonel May served as the Combat Arms LtCol monitor and the Ground Colonel Monitor at MMOA in Quantico, VA.
Colonel May's personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (4), Joint Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (5 with combat Vx2), Joint Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (2 with Combat Vx1), Good Conduct Medal (3), Combat Action Ribbon.