Major Sean M. Knaub grew up in Irwin, Ohio and was commissioned a second lieutenant through the Platoon Leaders Course program in August of 2012. He completed The Basic School in October 2013 and graduated from Basic Communication Officer’s Course (BCOC) in July 2014, obtaining the 0602/Communications Officer Military Occupational Specialty. Major Knaub has served in a variety of units and billets throughout his career.
Upon graduation from BCOC, Major Knaub reported to his first duty station with 3d Marine Division, in Okinawa, Japan. During this period, he was assigned to Communications Company as the Wire/Technical Controller Platoon Commander. While serving with Communications Company, Major Knaub participated in exercises Balikatan 2015 and Ulchi Freedom Guardian 2015.
In May 2015, Major Knaub reported to Combat Assault Battalion as the battalion communications officer. During this time, Major Knaub participated in two Korean Marine Exchange Programs. In May 2016 Major Knaub became the executive officer for Headquarters Company, Combat Assault Battalion. While in this billet he took Headquarters Company to Camp Fuji, Japan to conduct live fire training.
In July 2017, Major Knaub reported to Expeditionary Strike Group Three aboard Naval Base San Diego as the Marine Communications Detachment Officer In Charge (OIC). During this time Major Knaub participated in exercises Dawn Blitz 2017 aboard the USS Essex, Rim of the Pacific 2018 aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard, and Joint Logistics Over the Shore 18-1 in El Salvador. He also deployed aboard the USS Somerset during this period.
In March 2020, Major Knaub accessed into the Active Reserve program and reported to Headquarters Battalion, Training & Education Command (TECOM), Quantico, Virginia to serve as the Reserve Liaison Officer. In March 2023, Major Knaub took over as the Operational Group Manager and Reserve Branch Head for the TECOM enterprise. In August 2024, Maj Knaub transitioned to Manpower and Reserve Affairs to manage the Individual Mobilization Augmentee Program at the Service level.
Major Knaub assumed his current role as the 12th Marine Corps District Prior Service Recruiting OIC in July, 2025.
Major Knaub’s decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal x 3. Major Knaub holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations from Youngstown State University, a Master of Business Administration from West Texas A&M University, and is a graduate of both the Expeditionary Warfare School and Command and Staff College Blended Seminar Programs.