Sergeant Major Albert Martinez enlisted in the Marine Corps in December 2000 and graduated boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego as a Series Honorman. In March 2001 he began training at SOI West, Camp Pendleton, CA and graduated Infantry Training Battalion as an 0341, Mortarman.
In June of 2001 Sergeant Major Martinez reported to 3D Battalion, 1st Marines and was promoted to Lance Corporal while serving in the 81mm Mortar platoon. His billets held were Automatic Rifleman, Ammo Man and 81mm Mortar Assistant-Gunner. In 2002 he deployed with BLT 3/1 in support of the 11th MEU and was promoted to the rank of Corporal. In January of 2003 he deployed with 3/1 to liberate Iraq in OIF-I. When he returned from OIF-I Sergeant Major Martinez became an 81mm Mortar Squad Leader. In June of 2004 he deployed a third time with 3/1 in Support of OIF-II where he served as a rifle squad and section leader in the Battalion’s provisional rifle platoon, known as Combined Action Platoon India (CAP India). In November 2004 he was promoted in billet as the CAP India Platoon Sergeant and led through two months of sustained combat operations in the Second Battle of Fallujah, Operation Phantom Fury. In January of 2005 he was combat meritoriously promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
In March of 2005 Sergeant Major Martinez reported to Marine Forces Pacific, Camp Smith, Hawaii. He served in the G3 division as an Assistant Battle Chief, Reserve Affairs and Administrative NCO. In January of 2007 he was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant.
In December of 2007 Sergeant Major Martinez graduated the Marine Corps Combat Instructor course SOI West, and began his Special Duty Assignment. He served as a Platoon Commander in Infantry Training Battalion, Company A. In December of 2008 he was selected to serve as a Squad Advisor, Infantry Squad Leaders Course - Black, Advanced Infantry Training Battalion. After instructing over 200 infantry squad leaders he was selected to serve as the Chief Instructor ISLC-Black. In January of 2010, he was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant.
In January of 2011 Sergeant Major Martinez reported to 1st Battalion, 4th Marines and served as the Company A, Company Gunnery Sergeant. He deployed with BLT 1/4 as a member of the Small Boat Raid Company for the 31st MEU 2011-12. In September of 2012 he reported to Joint Task Force – Civil Support (JTF-CS), Fort Eustis, VA, and served as the Current Operation Chief in the J33. In November of 2012 he deployed with JTF-CS to Dix-Lakehurst, NJ as a member of the US NORTHCOM assessment cell and was in direct support of the Hurricane Sandy response.
May 2013 Sergeant Major Martinez reported to Marine Corps Security Force Regiment, Yorktown VA and would serve as the Company First Sergeant in Bravo FAST and H&S Company from May 2013 to May 2015. From May 2015 to March 2018 he served as a First Sergeant in 1st Battalion, 5th Marines and deployed with Company B as a member of the small boat raid company in support of the 31st MEU 2015-16. Then a second deployment with 1/5, this time as the H&S Company First Sergeant and the Landing Force, Senior Enlisted Leader onboard the USS San Diego in support of the 15th MEU 2017-18.
From March of 2018 to present Sergeant Major Martinez has served as the Squadron Sergeant Major for Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 364, MAG 39, 3d MAW.
Sergeant Major Martinez’s personal awards include the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat “V” and three Gold Stars, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon.