LtCol Gabriel A. Flores grew up in a Marine family and spent most of his youth on a military installation. He received his commission in the United States Marine Corps through the Platoon Leaders Course (PLC) upon graduation from the University of Arizona.
After The Basic School and Infantry Officer Course in 2007, he reported to Company F, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment as a Rifle Platoon Commander. From 2008 to 2009 LtCol Flores deployed to combat in Ramadi, Iraq in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF).
In 2009, LtCol Flores was assigned as the Combined Arms Anti-Tank Team (CAAT) Platoon Commander, Weapons Company. In 2010, he deployed to Afghanistan in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF) conducting combat operations throughout Northern Marjah as part of the clear, hold, and build mission.
In 2011, LtCol Flores reported to Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) to begin the Individual Training Course (ITC), Upon graduation in December 2011, he reported to 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion to serve as Team Commander for MSOT 8321. In August 2012, MSOT 8321 attached to Marine Special Operations Company (MSOC) A in Camp Pendleton, California and deployed to Afghanistan. He conducted Village Stability Operations (VSO) in Helmand Province alongside Afghan National Army Special Forces.
In 2014, LtCol Flores reported to Marine Raider Training Center (MRTC) to serve as the Special Operations Training Cadre 4 (SOTC-4) Officer In Charge. He maintained the Irregular Warfare portfolio for ITC and led the MARSOC Team Commanders Course. During his tenure he supported seven ITC cohorts in the production nearly 400 Marine Raiders.
In 2017, LtCol Flores was assigned to the MARSOC G-35 and assumed duties as Regional Engagement Officer. From 2018 to 2019, he deployed with Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Iraq (CJSOTF-I) 19-1 as the Current Operations and Special Programs Officer in support of OPERATION INHERENT RESOLVE (OIR).
In 2019, LtCol Flores reported to the 1st Marine Raider Battalion at Camp Pendleton, California where he assumed command of MSOC A. In 2021, he deployed with the company to East Africa in support of Special Operations Joint Task Force – Somalia. Upon return in September 2021, he assumed duties as the Battalion Executive Officer and supervised the battalion’s move to consolidate MARSOC at Camp Lejeune, NC.
In 2022, LtCol Flores was assigned to the MRTC as the Operations Officer. He served until summer 2024 and supervised the execution of over 100 training courses with nearly 1800 student throughput.
In June 2024, LtCol Flores reported to the 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) where he is currently serving as the Executive Officer.