BGen Robert “G-Man” Sofge enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1982 from New Orleans, LA. He reported for duty in 1983 with 3rd FSSG in Okinawa, Japan and subsequently deployed to Korea and the Philippines with the 33rd Marine Amphibious Unit aboard the USS ST LOUIS. He graduated from the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, RI in 1986.
After graduation from the US Naval Academy in 1990, 2ndLt Sofge completed The Basic School and Naval Flight School. He was designated a Naval Aviator in 1993 and completed his Harrier training at VMAT-203. Captain Sofge served in both VMA-223 and VMA-542 at MCAS Cherry Point, deploying with HMM-266/24th MEU (SOC) in 1996, in support of Operations DECISIVE ENDEAVOR and DELIBERATE FORCE in Bosnia-Herzegovina off the USS SAIPAN, and aboard the USS NASSAU in support of Operation ALLIED FORCE in Kosovo.
Maj Sofge reported to MAWTS-1, Yuma AZ, in 1999 as a Weapons and Tactics Instructor, then transferred to VMA-214. He deployed in both 2003 and 2004 in support of Operations SOUTHERN WATCH and IRAQI FREEDOM, and was later assigned to the Aviation Weapons Systems Requirements Branch at the Pentagon. LtCol Sofge took command of VMA-311 in 2006 and deployed with the 31st MEU aboard USS ESSEX while the squadron simultaneously supported 11th MEU in the Persian Gulf. He joined 3D Marine Aircraft Wing (FWD) at Al Asad, Iraq in January 2008 where he served as a Senior Watch Officer in the Tactical Air Command Center.
In 2009, LtCol Sofge joined the Joint Staff as a Defense Resource Analyst and later led the Strategic Assessments Branch at Programs and Resources, HQMC. Col Sofge took command of Marine Aircraft Group 14 in Cherry Point, NC in 2012, then served as Head, Aviation Plans, Policy, and Budget at HQMC until July 2016. BGen Sofge was previously assigned as the Assistant Wing Commander for 3D MAW in Miramar, CA and assumed the duties of Director, Combined Joint Operations Center – Baghdad, and Deputy Commanding General – Operations, CJFLCC – Operation Inherent Resolve in June 2017.
BGen Sofge holds a Political Science degree from the US Naval Academy, a Master of Business Administration from Touro University, a Master of Strategic Studies from the US Army War College, and completed Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program. BGen Sofge has more than 2100 flight hours, primarily in the AV-8B Harrier. His personal decorations include two Legion of Merit Medals, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, five Meritorious Service Medals, seven Air Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and the Good Conduct Medal.