Sergeant Major
Sergeant Major Allen enlisted in the Marine Corps and reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina immediately upon graduating High School 1984.
Upon graduation from recruit training October 10th 1984, he was assigned the MOS of an 1141 (electrician) and went to Basic Electrician's Course at Court House Bay at Camp Lejeune, N.C.After completing his basic training, Private First Class Allen received orders back to Parris Island, South Carolina and was assigned to Base Maintenance. While there, he worked with Marines and civilians supporting the base on various utilities issues.
In 1987, Lance Corporal Allen was transferred to Okinawa, Japan and was assigned to 1st Marine Air Wing, MWSG 17. He worked in his assigned MOS including five months in Korea supporting various exercises Ulchi Focus Lens, Bear Hunt and Team Spirit. He picked up the rank of Corporal during this period.
In May of 1988, Corporal Allen reported in to Marine Wing Support Squadron-272, Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina. He worked as the quality control NCOIC for a period of 6 months. He completed the NCO Course and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. He then was assigned as the Squadron SACO, and later volunteered for recruiting duty.
In August of 1990, Sgt Allen went to the Basic Recruiter's Course. Upon graduation, he was assigned to RS Northern New England of the 1st Marine Corps District. He successfully completed his 3-year tour on recruiting duty in October of 1993 and received orders back to Camp Lejeune, N.C. While at Camp Lejeune, Sgt Allen served as the platoon sergeant for the Base Maintenance Marines and was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant. In November 1996, he received orders (accompanied) to Okinawa, Japan.
From 1996 through 2002, SSgt Allen was assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron-172. He served numerous billets ranging from floor chief, maintenance chief, and SNCOIC of the electrical section. In 1999, he was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. He assumed the billet of OIC for Utilities Platoon and supported operations in the Philippines, Korea, Thailand, Saipan, Guam, and Tinian. He completed the SNCO Career Course and received orders to 2d FSSG.
In 2002, GySgt Allen transferred to Camp Lejeune and was assigned to Support Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion. He went to Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and on February 28th was frocked to the rank of First Sergeant. He then received orders to 2d Transportation Support Battalion and was assigned as the Company First Sergeant for Beach and Terminal Operations Company. In January of 2004, First Sergeant Allen was reassigned to Company A, 2d TSB as the Company First Sergeant. February through September of 2004, his company served in Operation Iraqi Freedom II attached to Combat Service Support Group 15, 1st FSSG.
In January of 2005, First Sergeant Allen was assigned as the MSSG-26 Sergeant Major. His MSSG served throughout the Persian Gulf. In December of 2005, First Sergeant Allen was reassigned to 2d Marine Logistics Group where he served as a Company First Sergeant.
In October of 2006, First Sergeant Allen was transferred to Combat Logistics Battalion 2, 2d MLG, where he was assigned as the Headquarters Company First Sergeant. In November of 2006, he was selected to the rank of Sergeant Major.
In January of 2007, Sergeant Major Allen was transferred to First Marine Corps District, Recruiting Station Portsmouth, where he served as the Recruiting Station Sergeant Major.
In June of 2010, Sergeant Major Allen was transferred to Marine Wing Support Group-272 where he deployed to conduct combat operations in Afghanistan, in support of OEF 11.1, from March of 2011 through October of 2011.
Sergeant Major Allen was transferred to his present duty as the Marine Corps Air Station New River Sergeant Major on 4 May of 2012.
His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with two stars, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two gold stars, and the Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.