In 1984, Brigadier General Lebidine enlisted in the Marine Corps in Philadelphia, PA, and graduated Honorman at MCRD Parris Island. In 1986, following a meritorious promotion to corporal, he was selected for the Enlisted Commissioning Program. After completion of Officer Candidates School, The Basic School, Army Ranger School, and Airborne training, he served as a Platoon Commander and Company Executive Officer in 1st Battalion, 4th Marines (MEUSOC). His second deployment included Operation Desert Shield/Storm.
In 1994, after a tour at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot ─ San Diego, in which he served as a Series Officer, Headquarters Company Executive Officer, and Protocol Officer for the Commanding General, he served at 4th Light Armored Vehicle Battalion as the Delta Company Commander, and the Battalion Executive Officer.
In 2003, Brigadier General Lebidine deployed as the Executive Officer of the I Marine Headquarters Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, for Operation Iraqi Freedom I. He eventually constructed and served as the Camp Commander of Camp Babylon, Iraq.
In 2004, Brigadier General Lebidine served as the Battalion Commander of 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines.
In 2006, Brigadier General Lebidine deployed and served as the Senior Advisor to an Iraqi Army Brigade in Al Qaim, Iraq. In 2007, Brigadier General Lebidine served as the Operations Officer for 3D Civil Affairs Group. In 2008, Brigadier General Lebidine deployed and served on the Multi-National Force – Iraq, CJ3 Staff as the Advisor/LNO to the Iraqi Prime Minister's National Operations Center in Baghdad, Iraq.
In 2009, Brigadier General Lebidine served as the Commanding Officer, 3D Civil Affairs Group. He deployed and served as the Assistant Chief of Staff C9 in charge of Governance & Development during the I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) deployment to Helmand Province, Afghanistan from March 2010 - March 2011.
In Nov 2011 - July 2012, Brigadier General Lebidine served as the Chief of Staff for the Force Command Element, Javelin Thrust 12-LSE 1.
In August 2012- July 2014, Brigadier General Lebidine served as the Commanding General of the Force Headquarters Group. In August 2014, Brigadier General Lebidine served as the Deputy Commanding General of I Marine Expeditionary Force (MOB) and deployed from November of 2014 - November 2015 to serve as the Director of the Advice and Assist Directorate, Resolute Support HQs, Afghanistan.
In November 2015 - April 2017, Brigadier General Lebidine served as the Commanding General of the 4th Marine Division.
Brigadier General Lebidine retired from active duty on 1 August 2017. Brigadier General Lebidine's personal decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (with gold star), Bronze Star (with two gold stars), Meritorious Service Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon (with gold star).
After retiring from active-duty, Paul joined the Board of Directors for M. Dyer Global, Pearl City, Hawaii, and he also serves as President of the Lakes Owners Association, a nonprofit corporation. Paul serves in leadership positions with several veterans’ organizations to include the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Military Order of World Wars, and the Rancho Bernardo Veterans Memorial Association. Paul also serves on the San Diego Regional Disaster Fund Board which is part of the San Diego Foundation.
Paul holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Florida, a Juris Doctor from Thomas Jefferson Law School, and a Master’s in Security Studies from the U.S. Army War College.
