Fishburne Military School Names COL Steve Barone (VA) as Commandant
Staunton, Va.
Fishburne Military School announced today that COL Steve Barone (VA) has been appointed Commandant, effective February 17, following the school’s winter break.
COL Barone will succeed COL Robert Phillips (USA ret), who has served as Interim Commandant while also carrying out his duties as Chaplain. COL Phillips will return to his full-time chaplain role later this spring.
“COL Phillips stepped forward at a time of need, providing leadership, continuity, and pastoral care to the Corps,” said Colonel Randal E. Brown (VA), President and Head of School. “His service during this transition has been invaluable, and his ongoing work as Chaplain remains deeply impactful for our cadets.”
COL Barone joined Fishburne Military School in the fall as a part-time instructor, teaching two elective courses and sponsoring the Special Operations Club. He also played a key role in the school’s partnership with SOCOM Athlete. His leadership style, professional background, and approachability have resonated quickly with cadets.
COL Barone is a highly accomplished U.S. Army officer who began his career as an Airborne and Ranger-qualified Infantry Officer before selection into Army Special Forces. He spent the latter half of his military career in a tier-one special mission unit, participating in complex combat operations across the globe. His later assignments included service at the Pentagon and as an instructor at the U.S. Army War College. He holds a Doctorate in Management from Madison University, a Master’s in Military Science from the Air Force Command and Staff College, a Political Science degree from Bloomsburg University, and a Postgraduate Fellowship from MIT.
The formal transfer of command will take place on February 17. A communication from COL Barone to the Fishburne community is expected in the weeks ahead.
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About Fishburne Military School
Founded in 1879, Fishburne Military School is a college-preparatory boarding school for boys in grades 7–12, offering a structured military environment focused on leadership, character development, and academic growth. The school holds the U.S. Army’s designation as an Honor Unit with Distinction, its highest level of JROTC accreditation, a distinction maintained for more than four decades.
