Colonel Alexander Farsaad enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve, attending recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego in May 2000. He was assigned to 3d Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company while attending college. Upon graduation in 2002, he received his commission and remained in the Marine Corps Reserve while attending law school at Southwestern University School of Law, graduating in 2005.
Colonel Farsaad’s first judge advocate assignment began in 2007 at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar, where he served in a variety of positions, including Senior Trial Counsel and Officer in Charge of Legal Assistance. He also deployed to Afghanistan in 2009 in support of Combined Joint Task Force (CJTF) 101 and CJTF-82.
In April 2010, Colonel Farsaad was assigned to MCRD San Diego as a Series Commander in Company F, 2d Recruit Training Battalion. In February 2011, he assumed command of Company E. In August 2012, Colonel Farsaad attended the Army’s Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School, earning a Master of Laws degree in Military Law.
In June 2013, Colonel Farsaad was assigned to Judge Advocate Division (JAD), Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps. During this tour, he served as Assistant Deputy Director for Community Development, Strategy, and Plans (CDSP) and, following a reorganization of JAD, as Deputy Branch Head for CDSP.
In 2015, Colonel Farsaad was assigned as Officer in Charge of the Legal Services Support Team at MCAS Cherry Point. Colonel Farsaad was transferred in 2018 to U.S. Central Command in Tampa, Florida, where he served as Assistant Staff Judge Advocate and as Staff Judge Advocate for the Marine Corps Element.
In June 2019, Colonel Farsaad took command of 1st Recruit Training Battalion, MCRD San Diego. After command, he attended the Marine Corps War College where he received a Master of Strategic Studies degree.
From June 2022 to July 2024, Colonel Farsaad was assigned as Staff Judge Advocate for Training Command. In July 2024, he was reassigned to JAD to serve as the Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives.
Colonel Farsaad assumed command of Headquarters Battalion, Training and Education Command, on 6 June 2025.