Colonel Paul Montanus graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1989 where he received a Bachelors of Science Degree in Aerospace Engineering.
     In August 1990,  following completion of the Basic School and Infantry Officers Course, he reported to Company L, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, which was deployed to Saudi Arabia for Operation DESERT SHIELD, and served as a Rifle Platoon Commander during combat operations in Operation DESERT STORM. Upon his redeployment to Hawaii, he served as an Anti-Armor Platoon Commander, Weapons Company Executive Officer, Battalion Adjutant, and Company Commander.
     In May 1993, he reported to Okinawa, Japan where he served as a Recon Platoon Commander, 9th Marines Recon Co, 3rd Marine Division. While in this assignment, his platoon deployed with Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 31st MEU(SOC). Returning from deployment, he was assigned as the Executive Officer, 3rd Recon Co.  In July 1994 he was transferred to Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Pacific, Coronado, CA where he served as the OIC of the Basic Reconnaissance Course. In May 1996 he was reassigned to serve as the Marine Officer of the Very Shallow Water Mine Counter-Measures Test Detachment, EOD Group ONE (later redesignated Naval Special Clearance Team ONE).   In April 1997, he reported to Camp Pendleton, California, where he served as the Commanding Officer, Company A, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, and deployed to the Persian Gulf with the 11th MEU(SOC). Upon his return in Nov 1998, he was reassigned as the Assistant Plans Officer, Division G-3, 1st Marine Division.
     In June 2000, he transferred to Quantico, VA to attend the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, where he graduated as a Distinguished Graduate with a Masters Degree in Military Studies. In June 2001, he reported to the White House, Washington, DC for duties as the Military Aide to the President of the United States. In July 2004, he was selected to attend the US Army War College, Carlisle, PA, where he graduated with a Masters Degree in Strategic Studies.
     In July 2005 he reported to Camp Lejeune, NC and assumed command of 2d Force Reconnaissance Company, and from August 2005 to February 2006 led 2d Force in combat operations throughout the Al-Anbar Province, Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.  On 15 May 2006, the majority of 2d Force was reassigned to MARSOC and formed 2d Marine Special Operations Battalion (2d MSOB), which he assumed command of on the same date.  He relinquished command of 2d MSOB in June 2007 and subsequently deployed to Southern Sudan for duty as a Military Advisor to the Sudanese People's Liberation Army.  Upon his return in Nov 2007, he served as the Executive Officer of the Marine Special Operations Regiment.  In July 2009 he transferred to HQMC (PP&O), where he served as the Branch Head, Special Operations Directorate. In July 2010, Col Montanus assumed command of Marine Barracks Washington.  In Jun 2012, he relinquished command and reported to the U.S. Naval Academy.
     Col Montanus's personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star with Combat 'V', the Meritorious Service Medal with two Gold Stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with one Gold Star, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with one Gold Star, and the Combat Action Ribbon with one Gold Star.