LtCol Gabriel A. Flores was born at Naval Hospital Bethesda, MD. He received his commission in the United States Marine Corps through the Platoon Leaders Course (PLC) upon graduation from the University of Arizona with a BA in Philosophy.
After completion of The Basic School and the Infantry Officer Course in 2007, then 2nd Lt Flores reported to Company F, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment as a Rifle Platoon Commander. From 2008 to 2009 he deployed to Ramadi, Iraq and participated in combat operations in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF).
In 2009, 1stLt 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, Capt Flores reported to the Marine Raider Training Center (MRTC) at Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) to begin the Individual Training Course (ITC), Upon graduation in December 2011, Capt Flores reported to 3rd Marine Raider 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 for his second tour to Helmand Province, Afghanistan conducting Village Stability Operations (VSO) with the Afghan National Army Special Forces (ANSF) returning in 2013.
In 2014, Capt Flores reported to MRTC to serve as the Special Operations Training Cadre 4 (SOTC-4) Officer In Charge. Capt Flores maintained the Irregular Warfare portfolio for ITC and additionally led the MARSOC Team Commanders Course. During his tenure he supported nearly seven ITC cohorts in the production of over 400 Marine Special Operators.
In 2017, Maj Flores was assigned to the MARSOC G-35 and assumed duties as the PACOM, SOUTHCOM, and EUCOM Regional Engagement Officer. From 2018 to 2019, Maj Flores 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) where he was responsible for command and control of all US and Coalition SOF conducting counterterrorism operations in Iraq.
In 2019, Maj Flores reported to the 1st Marine Raider Battalion at Camp Pendleton, California where he assumed command of MSOC A. In 2021, Maj Flores deployed with the company to East Africa in support of Joint Special Operations 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 assumed duties as the Operations Officer, MRTC.
In 2024. LtCol Flores assumed his current duties as executive officer to the 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit.