José L. Santiago

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Jose Luis Santiago
Born 1962
Sergeant Major Jose Luis Santiago
Place of birth	Puerto Rico
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Marine Corps
Years of service	1982-Present
Rank	Sergeant Major
Commands held	Sergeant Major 2nd Battalion 9th Marines
Battles/wars	Operation Desert Shield Operation Desert Storm Iraq War
Awards	Joint Service Commendation Medal Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold star and Combat Distinguished Device

Sergeant Major Jose Luis Santiago (born c. 1962 in Puerto Rico) is a member of the United States Marine Corps who has the distinction of being the 2nd Battalion 9th Marines' first Hispanic Sergeant Major and its first Sergeant Major since its reactivation on July 13, 2007.

1 Early years
2 Military career
3 Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm
4 Only enlisted personnel to attend the Infantry Officer Course
5 Sergeant Major
6 Awards and decorations
7 See also
8 References

[edit] Early years

Santiago was born in the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico where he received his primary and secondary education. He joined the Marine Corps in 1982 and was sent to Marine Recruit Depot at Parris Island, South Carolina, USA where he received his basic training.

[edit] Military career

After he graduated from basic training, he was sent to Infantry Training School at Camp Geiger, North Carolina to further his specialized training in his assigned Military Occupational Specialty of Mortar man (MOS 0341). In July of that year, Santiago was sent to Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California where he attended Sea School.

On August 21, 1982, he reported to Marine Detachment USS Holland at Charleston, South Carolina. He was a Nuclear Security sentry and eventually acted as the Sergeant of the guard. Some of his duties included the security for SSBN submarines maintenance of Trident Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles. During this time, he was able to attend the Army Airborne course and NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer) School at Parris Island.^[1]

Santiago was reassigned in 1984 to Headquarters & Service Company (H&S Co.), 8th Marine Regiment at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina as the Training and Directives NCO. He received his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps in March 1984.

As a civilian, Santiago worked for the Beach & Port Company of San Juan, Puerto Rico and was also a member of the Marine Corp Reserves.

[edit] Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm

Santiago was ordered back to active duty and participated in both Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm as member of the 1st Light Armored Infantry Battalion. His duties included 81mm Mortar Squad and Section Leader, Weapons Platoon Commander and Sergeant.

Santiago continued to further his military training by attending the Infantry Platoon Sergeant, Army Ranger, and Mortar Leader courses in Fort Benning, Georgia and the SNCO Career course at El Toro, California.

[edit] Only enlisted personnel to attend the Infantry Officer Course

From 1994 to 1999, Santiago served in various assignments and continued to undertake more military courses. He served in the 4th Marine Regiment Reconnaissance Platoon of the 3rd Marine Division and Reconnaissance Company, HQBN, 3rd Marine Division participating in several theater training operations. He attended the Helicopter Rope Suspension Training course and Cast Master course with the III MEF Special Operations Training Group and in January 1997, then SSgt Santiago, volunteered to attend the Infantry Officer Course being the only enlisted personnel in the course. He was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant in August 1998.^[1]

In April 1999, he had orders to report to the Military Group, U.S. Embassy at Santiago, Chile for duties with the Naval Section as an SNCO Personnel Exchange Program (PEP) with the Chilean Marine Corps assigned to the Chilean Marine Corps School of Infantry as an Instructor in the Chilean Marine Corps Commando course. During this tour he was awarded the Chilean Marine Corps Parachutist badge after graduating and conducting multiple military jumps with the host nation.^[1]

[edit] Sergeant Major

Santiago was re-assigned to the 3rd Longshoreman Platoon, 4th Landing Support Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group as the First Sergeant of the Inspector-Instructor Staff, Naval Activity Puerto Rico which was located at the former Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico. He was promoted to Sergeant Major (E-9) during this tour. Master Gunnery Sergeant and the rank of Sergeant Major are the highest enlisted ranks in the Marine Corps.

On July 13, 2007, 2nd Battalion 9th Marines was re-activated and replacing the Anti-Terrorism Battalion (ATBN). Sergeant Major Jose L. Santiago has the distinction of being the 2nd Battalion 9th Marines first Hispanic Sergeant Major and its first Sergeant Major since its reactivation.^[2]