Marine Officer Instructor (MOI)

Capt Nicolas Novak was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1996.  After graduating from Plainfield East High School in 2014, he enrolled at Millikin University, where he played basketball for the Big Blue.  He graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Athletic Training, a Minor in Nutrition and passed his Board of Certification (BOC), making him an Athletic Trainer Certified (ATC).

Capt Novak reported to Officer Candidate School (OCS) in June 2017 for the 10-week Officer Candidate Course (OCC). Following OCC 225 graduation, he returned to Millikin University to complete his senior year.  He graduated from Millikin University in May 2018 and commissioned June 2018.  Once commissioned he reported to Officer Selection Office (OSO) Chicago to augment their mission for three months. Following OSO Chicago, Capt Novak reported to The Basic School (TBS) and graduated April 2019 earning the Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) 1302, Combat Engineer Officer. He then reported to Combat Engineer Officer Course (CEOC) at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina for initial training.

Capt Novak reported to Company A, 2d Combat Engineer Battalion (CEB), 2d Marine Division, in August 2019.  He served as First Platoon Commander for 20 months. As platoon commander he directly supported 1st Battalion, 2d Marines (V12) for nine months and then attached to V12 from May 2020 to March 2021.  While attached to V12 Capt Novak served as both the Battalion Engineer Officer as well as Headquarters and Service (H&S) Company Executive Officer (XO) executing Unit Deployment Program East (UDP-E) 20.2 to Okinawa, Japan from August 2020 to February 2021.  While executing UDP-E 20.2 Capt Novak supported multiple joint and bilateral exercises including Keen Sword 21 with the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) and Korean Marine Exchange Program (KMEP) 21.1.  He also earned the title of Helicopter Rope Suspension Techniques (HRST) Master. Upon detaching from V12 and returning to 2d CEB in March 2021, Capt Novak was appointed as Company A XO for the remainder of his time at 2d CEB.

Capt Novak assumed duties as Marine Officer Instructor of the Auburn-Tuskegee NROTC Consortium in May 2022.  Capt Novak will be attending Auburn University earning a Masters Degree in Engineering Management.

Capt Novak's personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal in lieu of second award and one Meritorious Unit Commendation. His hobbies include hiking, exercising, and spending time with his family.  Capt Novak is married to Margaret Novak.