Professor Joe Rutledge

Professor Joe Rutledge, Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.), had a distinguished career as an infantry officer, holding multiple command and senior staff positions with significant roles in strategic and operational planning, including assignments with II Marine Expeditionary Force and U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. Following his retirement, he joined the U.S. Naval War College, first as a Military Professor and later as civilian faculty. He has played a central role in curriculum development and instruction across key professional military education programs, including the Joint Maritime Operations Department (JPME I & II), the Maritime Advanced Warfighting School (MAWS), and the College of Maritime Operational Warfare (CMOW).

Within CMOW, he contributed extensively to the Maritime Staff Officers Course (MSOC) and supported U.S. Navy Fleet headquarters through tailored educational efforts as part of the Assist and Assess Team. Professor Rutledge also helped establish the Executive Level Operational Level of War Course, emphasizing the effective use of Maritime Operations Center (MOC) processes to support senior leadership decision-making. He continues to support U.S. and international flag officer development through CMOW’s JFMCC and CFMCC courses.

He currently serves as Director of the Maritime Operational Planners Course (MOPC), which he created and led as a Naval War College Project Manager. In this role, he oversees all aspects of curriculum execution and advancement, including scenario development, instructional design, and practical exercises in support of Navy operational planning education.