José L. Santiago
Encyclopedia
Sergeant Major Jose Luis Santiago (born 1960 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. Currently assigned to Marine Corps Recruiting Command Recruiting Station Jacksonville, 6th Marine Corps District
, South Carolina
, USA where he received his basic training
.
, 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.
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 1985.
As a Reservist, Santiago was assigned to the Beach & Port Company, 4th Landing Support Bn of San Juan, Puerto Rico as a member of the Marine Corp Reserves.
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
SNCO Career course at MCAS El Toro, California and the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) school at North Island Naval Base, California.
in August 1998.
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.
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) on the last day of this tour. Aside from Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Master Gunnery Sergeant (MGySgt) and Sergeant Major are the highest enlisted ranks in the Marine Corps
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.
Badges
Foreign Award
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico , officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico , is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.Puerto Rico comprises an...
) is a member of the United States Marine Corps
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
who has the distinction of being the 2nd Battalion 9th Marines
2nd Battalion 9th Marines
The 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines is an infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps. Formed during World War I, the unit played an instrumental role in the defeat of the Japanese forces in the Battles of Guam and Iwo Jima during the World War II...
' first Hispanic
Hispanic
Hispanic is a term that originally denoted a relationship to Hispania, which is to say the Iberian Peninsula: Andorra, Gibraltar, Portugal and Spain. During the Modern Era, Hispanic sometimes takes on a more limited meaning, particularly in the United States, where the term means a person of ...
Sergeant Major and its first Sergeant Major since its reactivation on July 13, 2007. Currently assigned to Marine Corps Recruiting Command Recruiting Station Jacksonville, 6th Marine Corps District
Early years
Santiago was born in 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 IslandMarine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island
Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island is an military installation located within Port Royal, South Carolina, approximately south of Beaufort, the community that is typically associated with the installation. MCRD Parris Island is used for the training of enlisted Marines...
, South Carolina
South Carolina
South Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence...
, USA where he received his basic training
Basic Training
Basic Training may refer to:* Basic Training, a 1971 American documentary directed by Frederick Wiseman* Basic Training , an American sex comedy* Recruit training...
.
Military career
After he graduated from basic training, he was sent to Infantry Training School at Camp GeigerCamp Geiger
Camp Geiger is a United States Marine Corps Base. Although not geographically connected, Camp Geiger is part of the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune complex, and is home to the United States Marine Corps School of Infantry East for all Marines recruited through the Eastern Recruiting Region. Located...
, North Carolina
North Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
to further his specialized training in his assigned Military Occupational Specialty of Mortar
Mortar (weapon)
A mortar is an indirect fire weapon that fires explosive projectiles known as bombs at low velocities, short ranges, and high-arcing ballistic trajectories. It is typically muzzle-loading and has a barrel length less than 15 times its caliber....
man (MOS 0341). In July of that year, Santiago was sent to Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California
San Diego, California
San Diego is the eighth-largest city in the United States and second-largest city in California. The city is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, immediately adjacent to the Mexican border. The birthplace of California, San Diego is known for its mild year-round...
where he attended Sea School.
On August 21, 1982, he reported to Marine Detachment USS Holland
USS Holland (AS-32)
USS Holland was a submarine tender launched by the Ingalls Shipbuilding Company in Pascagoula, Mississippi on 19 January 1963. The first ever built specifically to service Fleet Ballistic Missile submarines , she was sponsored by Mrs. John C. Stennis, wife of US Senator John C. Stennis and...
at Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is the second largest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina. It was made the county seat of Charleston County in 1901 when Charleston County was founded. The city's original name was Charles Towne in 1670, and it moved to its present location from a location on the west bank of the...
. 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.
Santiago was reassigned in 1984 to Headquarters & Service Company (H&S Co.), 8th Marine Regiment at Camp Lejeune
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is a United States military training facility in North Carolina. The base's of beaches make it a major area for amphibious assault training, and its location between two deep-water ports allows for fast deployments.The main base is supplemented by five satellite...
, North Carolina as the Training and Directives NCO. He received his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps in March 1985.
As a Reservist, Santiago was assigned to the Beach & Port Company, 4th Landing Support Bn of San Juan, Puerto Rico as a member of the Marine Corp Reserves.
Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm
Santiago was ordered back to active duty and participated in both Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert StormGulf War
The Persian Gulf War , commonly referred to as simply the Gulf War, was a war waged by a U.N.-authorized coalition force from 34 nations led by the United States, against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait.The war is also known under other names, such as the First Gulf...
as member of the 1st Light Armored Infantry Battalion. His duties included 81mm Mortar
81mm Mortar
A 81mm Mortar is a medium weight mortar. It is a smooth bore, muzzle-loading, high-angle-of-fire weapon used for long-range indirect fire support to light infantry, air assault, and airborne units across the entire front of a battalion zone of influence....
Squad and Section Leader, Weapons Platoon Commander and Sergeant.
Santiago continued to further his military training by attending the Infantry Platoon Sergeant, Army Ranger
Army Ranger
Army Ranger can refer to:* Canadian Rangers, a component of the army of the Canadian Forces* Irish Army Rangers* Pakistan Army Rangers* United States Army Rangers* Vietnamese Rangers, part of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam...
, and Mortar Leader courses in Fort Benning
Fort Benning
Fort Benning is a United States Army post located southeast of the city of Columbus in Muscogee and Chattahoochee counties in Georgia and Russell County, Alabama...
, Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
SNCO Career course at MCAS El Toro, California and the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) school at North Island Naval Base, California.
Only enlisted personnel to attend the Infantry Officer Course Class 2-97
From 1994 to 1999, Santiago served in various assignments 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 while assigned to Advanced Infantry Training Company, SOI(W), Camp Pendlenton, CA. He was promoted to Gunnery SergeantGunnery Sergeant
Gunnery Sergeant is the seventh enlisted rank in the United States Marine Corps, just above Staff Sergeant and below Master Sergeant and First Sergeant, and is a staff non-commissioned officer...
in August 1998.
In April 1999, he had orders to report to the Military Group, U.S. Embassy at Santiago, Chile
Santiago, Chile
Santiago , also known as Santiago de Chile, is the capital and largest city of Chile, and the center of its largest conurbation . It is located in the country's central valley, at an elevation of above mean sea level...
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.
First Sergeant
In August 2001, Santiago was re-assigned to 1st Reconnaissance Bn, 1st Marine Division as the Co B, Operations Chief and later promoted to the rank of First Sergeant. He participated in two OIF deployments (2003, 2004) as a Company 1stSgt.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) on the last day of this tour. Aside from Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Master Gunnery Sergeant (MGySgt) and Sergeant Major are the highest enlisted ranks in the Marine Corps
Sergeant Major
On July 13, 2007, 2nd Battalion 9th Marines2nd Battalion 9th Marines
The 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines is an infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps. Formed during World War I, the unit played an instrumental role in the defeat of the Japanese forces in the Battles of Guam and Iwo Jima during the World War II...
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.
Recruiting Duty
On Feb 2010, SgtMaj Santiago was ordered to report to Recruiting Station Jacksonville, FL to become the Station's Sergeant Major and join the team of Professionals in this special duty assignment in the continue task to search for the best qualified civilian applicants to have the honor and privilege to become the new batch of U.S. Marines.Awards and decorations
Sergeant Major Santiago's awards include the following:
Meritorious Service MedalMeritorious Service MedalThe Meritorious Service Medal is a senior level military decoration presented to denote acts of meritorious service worthy of recognition. This medal can be awarded in a combat or non- combat theatre...
Joint Service Commendation Medal
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold star and the Combat Distinguished Device
Combat Action RibbonCombat Action RibbonThe Combat Action Ribbon is a personal military decoration of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, and United States Coast Guard which is awarded to those who, in any grade including and below that of a Captain in the Navy and Coast Guard , have actively participated in ground or...
with gold star
Marine Corps Good Conduct Medalwith one silver star and two bronze stars
National Defense Service MedalNational Defense Service MedalThe National Defense Service Medal is a military service medal of the United States military originally commissioned by President Dwight D. Eisenhower...
with one bronze star
Iraq Campaign MedalIraq Campaign MedalThe Iraq Campaign Medal is a military award of the United States armed forces which was created by Executive Order 13363 of President George W. Bush on November 29, 2004. The Iraq Campaign Medal was designed by the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry....
with two bronze stars
Global War on Terrorism Service MedalGlobal War on Terrorism Service MedalThe Global War on Terrorism Service Medal is a military award of the United States military which was created by Executive Order 13289 of President George W. Bush on March 12, 2003...
Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbonwith two bronze stars
Kuwait Liberation MedalKuwait Liberation MedalThe Kuwait Liberation Medal is a military service medal of several countries. The medal is issued in different versions for each country, those being:*Kuwait Liberation Medal *Kuwait Liberation Medal *Kuwait Liberation Medal...
Badges
Naval Parachuist Badge
Foreign Award
- Chilean Marine Corps Parachutist badge
See also
- List of famous Puerto Ricans
- List of Puerto Rican military personnel
- 2nd Battalion 9th Marines2nd Battalion 9th MarinesThe 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines is an infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps. Formed during World War I, the unit played an instrumental role in the defeat of the Japanese forces in the Battles of Guam and Iwo Jima during the World War II...
- Hispanics in the United States Marine CorpsHispanics in the United States Marine CorpsHispanics in the United States Marine Corps, such as Private France Silva who during the Boxer Rebellion became the first Marine of the thirteen Marines of Hispanic descent to be awarded the Medal of Honor, and Private First Class Guy Gabaldon who is credited with capturing over 1,000 enemy...