Sergean Major A. Leal

1st Reconnaissance Battalion

Sergeant Major Leal is a native of Los Angeles, California. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1993 and attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California.  Upon completion of his basic training, he received the MOS of 1833 Assault Amphibious Vehicle Crewman.

Following his MOS School, he reported to 2d Assault Amphibian Battalion, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. In 1995, he was deployed to the Mediterranean with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit and in 1996 he deployed to the West Coast of Africa.  While on deployment, he was meritoriously promoted to Corporal.

In May 1997, Sergeant Major Leal was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and received orders to Assault Amphibian Schools Battalion, where he served as a Platoon Sergeant and Platform Instructor. In April 2000 Sergeant Major Leal was promoted to Staff Sergeant.

In January of 2001, Sergeant Major Leal reported to 3d Assault Amphibian Battalion where he served as Section Leader and Platoon Sergeant. In 2002, he was deployed to Okinawa, Japan, and attached to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

In January of 2003, Sergeant Major Leal deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, where he participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Upon his return from deployment, he received orders to Drill Instructor School, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California.

In June of 2004, Sergeant Major Leal was assigned to Golf Company, 2d Battalion, where he served as a Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, and Chief Drill Instructor. In October 2004, he was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. 

In June of 2007, Sergeant Major Leal received orders back to 3d Assault Amphibian Battalion. In 2008, he was promoted to the rank of First Sergeant and received orders to 2d Battalion, 1st Marines. While assigned to 2/1, he deployed to Al-Qaim, Iraq, as the Echo Company First Sergeant.
   
In January 2010, Sergeant Major Leal received orders to Headquarters Company, 1st Marine Regiment, and in September 2010, deployed for one year to Afghanistan as Regimental Combat Team 1’s Company First Sergeant.

In June 2012, Sergeant Major Leal was assigned to 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, where he deployed to Kajaki, Afghanistan, as the H&S Company First Sergeant.

In September 2013, he was promoted to his current rank and assigned to Headquarters Battalion, Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command, Twenty-nine Palms, California, where he served as the Battalion Sergeant Major.
 
In December 2015, Sergeant Major Leal was reassigned to 1st Reconnaissance Battalion and assumed his current duties as Battalion Sergeant Major.   

Sergeant Major Leal’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal(gold star in lieu of 2nd award), Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with Combat “V” and gold star in lieu of 3rd award), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (gold star in lieu of 2d award), Combat Action Ribbon, and the Good Conduct Medal (Silver Star in lieu of 7th award).