Colonel Caola was born in Somerset, PA. He attended Louisiana State University and graduated in 2002 with a Bachelor’s of Science in International Trade and Finance. Upon graduation, Colonel Caola attended the Officer Candidate Course in Quantico, VA, and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. Upon commissioning, he reported to The Basic School, Quantico, VA. Colonel Caola graduated in May 2003 and was assigned the logistics military occupational specialty (MOS).
Colonel Caola has commanded at every opportunity. His command tours include two years at 3d Transportation Support Battalion, 3d Marine Logistics Group as the Battalion Commander. Additionally, he served two years as Company Commander, Transportation Support Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 8, 2d Marine Logistics Group, where he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Other command billets: Staff Platoon Commander, The Basic School and Platoon Commander, Truck Company, 1st Marine Division. During his command time, he also deployed twice to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Previous staff assignments include the following: Advisor to the Deputy Commander, J00 USAFRICOM; Strategist, J5 USAFRICOM; Operations Officer, 3d Marine Logistics Group; Logistics Planner, 3d Marine Division; Future Operations Officer, Headquarters Marine Corps Plans, Policy, and Operations; Operations Officer, Combat Logistics Battalion 26; Warfighting Instructor and Executive Officer at The Basic School; and Logistics Officer for 2d Battalion, 4th Marines.
Colonel Caola is a graduate of a United States Army War College, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Seminar XXI Fellowship, Command and General Staff College, and Expeditionary Warfare School. He holds a master's degree is Strategic Studies, a Master of Business Administration from Boston University.
His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with three gold stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with one gold star, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with combat distinguishing device and one gold star, and the Combat Action Ribbon with one gold star.