LtCol Jacob R. Godby graduated from Liberty University in 2007 and was commissioned in November 2007 after completing Officer Candidate School. In 2008 he completed both The Basic School and Infantry Officer Course.
From September 2008 to November 2009 2ndLt Godby served as a Rifle Platoon Commander with Golf Company 2d Battalion, 3d Marines and completed a deployment to Now Zad, Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Upon returning 1stLt Godby was the Executive Officer for Headquarters and Service Company from December 2009 to August 2010. From August 2010 to August
2011 1stLt Godby served as the Commanding Officer of Headquarters and Service Company and completed a deployment to Nawa, Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
From September 2011 to June 2014 Captain Godby served as a Maneuver Controller “Coyote” with Tactical Training and Exercise Control Group (TTECG) in 29 Palms, California. During this time he also completed the Expeditionary Warfare School non-resident program and a Master of Business Administration program.
From July 2014 to September 2015 Captain Godby served as the Assistant Operations Officer for 3d Battalion, 2d Marines and completed a deployment to Okinawa, Japan. From September 2015 to May 2017 Captain Godby was the Commanding Officer of India Company and completed a second deployment to Okinawa, Japan.
From June 2017 to July 2020 Major Godby served as the Assistant Operations Officer for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit in Okinawa, Japan and completed six patrols throughout the region.
From August 2020 to June 2022 Major Godby attended Marine Corps University’s Command and Staff College and the School of Advanced Warfighting where he earned a Master of Military Studies and a Master of Operational Studies.
From June 2022 to November 2024 LtCol Godby served as an Operational Planner for 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade in Okinawa, Japan. During this time, he also completed the Joint and Combined Warfighting School hybrid program.
LtCol Godby assumed command of 12th Littoral Combat Team in December 2024.