Command Sergeant Major Juan M. Hidalgo

Command Sergeant Major

Sergeant Major Hidalgo enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1984 and attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego, CA. He was meritoriously promoted to private first class upon completion of recruit training and reported to the Armor School, Fort Knot, KY, for the Basic Tank Crewman Course. Upon completion, he was meritoriously promoted to lance corporal.

Sergeant Major Hidalgo reported to Recruiting Station San Diego as a Recruiter’s Aide and, upon completion of the tour, was meritoriously promoted to corporal. In 1985, he reported to Tracked Vehicle Company C, 1st Tank Battalion, Camp Pendleton, CA, where he served as a gunner, tank commander, and section leader. He was promoted to sergeant during the assignment.

In October 1989, Sergeant Major Hidalgo received orders to MCRD San Diego. He was assigned to Company A, First Recruit Training Battalion. While at MCRD, he served as a drill instructor and senior drill instructor in Company A and Receiving Barracks.

In January 1992, Sergeant Major Hidalgo reported to Company C, 3rd Tank Battalion, Twentynine Palms, CA. He served as a platoon sergeant, platoon commander, and tank leader during this tour and was selected and promoted to staff sergeant.

In February 1995, Sergeant Major Hidalgo reported to Marine Detachment Fort Knox, KY, as a primary military occupational specialty instructor. During this tour, he served as a tank commander, section leader, tank leader, and special projects staff noncommissioned officer.

In August 1998, Sergeant Major Hidalgo reported to Company B, 1st Tank Battalion, Twentynine Palms, CA. At this time, he served as a platoon sergeant and company master gunner. In 1999, he was selected and promoted to the rank of gunnery sergeant. Also during this tour, he twice prepared and deployed his tank platoon with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and served as company gunnery sergeant and first sergeant, Headquarters and Service Company. He was assigned to Company A in December 2002, and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) in January 2003.

Upon redeployment, Sergeant Major Hidalgo was assigned as First Sergeant. Support Company, Combat Service Support Battalion-10, 1st FSSG. In September 2004, he served as Sergeant Major, Combat Service Support Battalion-10. In July 2005, Sergeant Major Hidalgo reported to Company F, Second Recruit Training Battalion, MCRD San Diego. During this tour, Sergeant Major Hidalgo was selected and promoted to his present rank.

In January 2007, Sergeant Major Hidalgo reported to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, Camp Pendleton, CA, and deployed in support of OIF 06-08. He reported to 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, in August 2008. In March 2010, he assumed the duties as sergeant major, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. In May 2013, he assumed the current duty as sergeant major, Joint Task Force Guantanamo.

Sergeant Major Hidalgo’s personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (fourth award), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (fourth award and combat “V” device), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (third award), Army Achievement Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon.