[1] He assumed the post in August 2008, having previously served as the United States Marine Corps Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies and Operations from 2006.

[4] Originally from Amsterdam, New York, Richard Natonski grew up in New Canaan, Connecticut after his family moved there in April 1956.

[6] He graduated from the University of Louisville[7] in 1973 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.

Upon completion of The Basic School in 1974, Natonski served as a platoon commander and executive officer with Company H, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines.

In April 1978, Captain Natonski was transferred to Marine Barracks, 8th and I, where he served as executive and commanding officer of Company B.

Upon completion of this tour in June 1989, he was transferred to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing at Cherry Point, North Carolina, where he was assigned as the G-3 plans officer.

On 12 June 2006, the Secretary of Defense announced that President George W. Bush had nominated Natonski for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general, to be assigned as the Deputy Commandant, Plans, Policies, and Operations.

[12][13] In June 2010, upon the conclusion of Natonski's investigation, Army General Charles C. Campbell revoked the reprimands, citing that they would have a "chilling effect" on ground operations.