Mark R. Dougherty enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve out of Tucson, Arizona and reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego in June 2007. He graduated Boot Camp in August 2007 and MCT in September 2007. He was assigned the MOS of 1391, Bulk Fuel Specialist graduating from MOS school in December of 2007. He reported to Bulk Fuel Company A, 6th Engineer Support Battalion, Tucson, Arizona the same month.
In January 2008 Lance Corporal Dougherty was activated and assigned to 8th Provisional Security Company, where he served as a provisional rifleman and vehicle commander while deployed to Djibouti, Africa in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
In January 2009 upon return from deployment, Lance Corporal Dougherty attended Reserve Combat Engineer School where he earned the MOS 1371, Combat Engineer. Also in 2009 he attended the University of Arizona where he majored in Public Administration and Policy with a minor in Classics. In June of 2011 Corporal Dougherty attended Officer Candidate School. In May of 2013 Sergeant Dougherty graduated university and commissioned 30 days later.
In April 2014 Second Lieutenant Dougherty reported to The Basic School. He graduated in November of the same year with orders to report to 3d Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division and attend Assault Amphibian Officers Course in Camp Pendleton, California. Upon completion of MOS school in April of 2015 Second Lieutenant Dougherty was assigned the MOS 1803, Amphibious Assault Vehicle Officer. In May of 2016 he deployed to Combat Assault Battalion, Okinawa Japan as part of the Unit Deployment Program. In July 2017 he deployed with Battalion Landing Team 1/5 on the 15th MEU.
Upon his return from deployment Captain Dougherty received orders to report to Combat Assault Company, 3d Marine Regiment in May of 2018. He served as the company executive officer until March of 2020 when he was assigned as Company Commander. In July of 2021 Combat Assault Company was deactivated as part of Force Design 2030 and Captain Dougherty received orders to report to 2d Assault Amphibian Battalion Camp Lejeune North Carolina.
Captain Dougherty served as Company B Commander from August 2022 until September 2023. That same month he deployed to Joint Task Force Bravo (SOUTHCOM), Soto Cano Air Base Honduras to serve as an Operations Planner. Upon return from deployment in May 2023, Major Dougherty was assigned as Operations Officer, 2d Assault Amphibian Battalion. In October 2023 Major Dougherty attended the Advanced Maneuver Warfare Course earning the additional MOS of 0577, Operations and Tactics Instructor.
In July 2024 Major Dougherty reported to Marine Corps University, Quantico Virginia to attend Command and Staff College. He graduated with a Masters Degree in Military Studies in June of 2025 and reported to Recruiting Station Phoenix the same month. Major Dougherty's personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal w/OLC, Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, I MEF Junior Officer Leadership Award, and EWS-BS Distinguished Graduate, and Command and Staff College Distinguished Graduate.
He is married to Lieutenant Cassandra N. Jones US Navy, Nurse Corps.