Sergeant Major Roland R. McGinnis is a native of Laurel, Delaware and enlisted in the Marine Corps in July 2001. He completed recruit training aboard MCRD Parris Island. He attained a variety of certifications and additional military occupational specialties throughout his career, to include Recruiter and Marine Security Guard. His selection to First Sergeant in 2013 marked his departure from the administration field and led to various assignments and promotion, resulting in his selection as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa.
Assignments in the operating forces include: Administrative and legal clerk, 3d Marine Regiment; G-1 FOPS/COPS, III MEF; Detentions Operations Chief, CJIATF-435; Company First Sergeant, CLR-37; Company First Sergeant, 2d Bn 3d Marines; Battalion Sergeant Major, 1st Bn 5th Marines; Group Sergeant Major, Marine Aircraft Group-16.
Assignments in the supporting establishments include: Marine Security Guard, Ankara, Turkey and Moscow, Russia; Assistant Detachment Commander, Jakarta, Indonesia; Detachment Commander, Bamako, Mali; Course Writer and Senior Docent, Marine Barracks 8th & I; Recruiter and Office Selection Assistant, Twin Cities, Minnesota; Battalion Sergeant Major, Wounded Warrior Bn-West.
Sergeant Major McGinnis is an Honor Graduate of the Airforce Senior Enlisted Academy and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with honors.
Personal awards and decorations include: Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal w/one gold star, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal w/three gold stars, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal w/three gold stars, and Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.