He was commissioned a second lieutenant on June 2, 1974. After graduation from The Basic School, he was assigned to the 2d Marine Division where he served as a 106 recoilless rifle platoon commander and executive officer for Company K, 3d Bn, 2d Marines.

In May 1977, he was ordered to Okinawa where he served as the S-3 for Logistic Support Units (LSU) Echo and Foxtrot, 3d Force Service support Group. He also served as the senior watch officer in 3d Marine Division Command Center.

In May 1978, he reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C. where he served as a series commander, executive officer and commanding officer of Company F, 2d Recruit Training Bn. In 1980, he was assigned as the Marine Officer NROTC Instructor at Savannah State University until ordered to Amphibious Warfare School, Quantico, VA in 1983. In July 1984, Colonel Gaskin joined 1st Bn, 2d Marines where he served s the Battalion Operations Officer. He was selected to attend the U.S. Army Command and Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, in July 1986.

From 1987 until 1990 Colonel Gaskin served as an action officer at Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps and Marine Corps Combat Development Command in charge of Unit Environmental Training Programs (jungle, cold weather and combined arms exercises). In 1990, he was assigned to the Combined Forces Command, Seoul, Korea where he served as head, Ground Forces Branch, Operations Division. In July 1992, he reported to II Marine Expeditionary Force where he served as Current Operations Action Officer and Operations Officer for II MEF (Forward) during the planning and execution of Battle Griffin Exercise in Norway.

In July 1993, Colonel Gaskin attended the Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Carlisle, PA. After Graduation in June 1994, he was assigned to 6th Marines, 2d Marine Division.

In April 1995, he assumed command of 2d Bn, 2d Marines. In January 1996, he deployed with Battalion Landing Team 2/2 as part of the 22d MEU to the Mediterranean Sea for a Landing Force Sixth Fleet deployment, during which he participated in Operation Assured Response and Quick Response in defense of American Embassies in Liberia and the Central African Republic.

From September 1996 to July 1998, Colonel Gaskin served as the Ground Colonel's Monitor at Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps. He served as Head, Expeditionary Operation, Operations Division, II MEF from August 1998 until assuming command of the 22d MEU in January 1999.

In September 1999, Colonel Gaskin deployed with the 22d MEU (SOC) to the Mediterranean Sea for a Landing Force Sixth Fleet deployment, during which he participated in Operation Joint Forge in support of peacekeeping operations to implement the Dayton Peace Accords. He relinquished command in May 2000, and will assume the duties as the Commanding General, Training Command on 1 July 2000.

His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit gold star in lieu of 2nd award, Bronze Star with combat V, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars in lieu of 2nd, 3rd and 4th awards, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon.

He is married to the former Dora Hall New Orleans, LA and has four children.