Sergeant Major, 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion
Sergeant Major Forrest C. Allen

Sergeant Major Forrest C. Allen was born in Raleigh, North Carolina (NC) on 21 November 1982 to Jeff and Debbie Allen. Forrest Allen went on to join the Marine Corps in 2003, reporting to MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina (SC) on 7 April of that year as a member of Mike Company (Co) 3d Battalion (Bn). Leaving Parris Island, Private First Class (PFC) Allen reported to Camp Johnson to attend Marine Combat Training (MCT) with Echo Co. Upon completion of MCT, PFC Allen reported to 29 Palms, California (CA) to attend the Data Network Systems Specialist Course. PFC Allen graduated at the top of his class and was selected to stay in 29 Palms to attend a follow-on course for Tactical Data Networking. During this follow-on course, he again graduated at the top of his class and was promoted to Lance Corporal (LCpl).

 

In February 2004, LCpl Allen checked in to Communications Company, 3d Force Service Support Group, as a tactical data network technician. During his time there, LCpl Allen participated in and supported several annual training deployments including RSO&I and Cobra Gold. After being promoted to Corporal (Cpl), he participated in two rotations with the 31 MEU Service Support Group and participated in a humanitarian mission responding to a mud slide in the Philippines in 2006. Cpl Allen was promoted to the rank of Sergeant (Sgt) in Guam during his second MEU deployment.

 

Sgt Allen transferred to 9th Communications Bn in 2006 where he assumed the position of Platoon Sergeant, Data Platoon, Charlie Co Sgt Allen also led the martial arts program and Enlisted Professional Military Education Program for his company in an effort to make his unit more combat ready. Sgt Allen attended Sergeants Course at Camp Horno during this period as well, where he graduated at the top of his class.

 

In April 2007, Sgt Allen reported to MCRD Parris Island, SC for Drill Instructor Duty and was assigned to 3d Bn Kilo Co where he served as a Drill Instructor. In February 2009, Sgt Allen transferred to the MCRD Swim Tank for duty as a Marine Corps Instructor of Water Survival (MCIWS). During this period, he also attended the Marine Corps Instructor Trainer Water Survival (MCITWS) school, served as a Deck Leader, and was promoted to Staff Sergeant (SSgt). In January 2010, SSgt Allen returned to 3d Bn as a Senior Drill Instructor with Mike Co. where he completed his last cycle of recruit training.

 

SSgt Allen transferred to Transportation and Support Company, Combat Logistics Bn (CLB) 8, Combat Logistics Regiment (CLR) 2 in May 2010. SSgt Allen was appointed as the Company Gunnery Sergeant and deployed to Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan with his company in January 2011. Upon his return from Afghanistan, SSgt Allen was reassigned as the Communications Chief for CLR 2 where he remained for the duration of his tour aboard Camp Lejeune.

 

In November 2012, SSgt Allen reported to Expeditionary Warfare School (EWS), Marine Corps University (MCU), Quantico Virginia (VA), as the Communications Chief and Senior Enlisted Advisor. Once selected for promotion to Gunnery Sergeant (GySgt), SSgt Allen was moved to the Command and Staff College where he continued to serve both the command and run the Enlisted Education Program. During his time aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, GySgt Allen also served as a Sergeant Instructor and Platoon Sergeant to the Officer Candidate's School for numerous training cycles.

 

In August 2016, GySgt Allen transferred to 1st Marine Division G-6 and took charge as the Division Network Chief. During this period, he participated in several Division level exercises and provided support to all 27 battalions located across the entire globe. Upon selection and promotion, 1stSgt Allen transferred to Company E, 2d Battalion 5th Marines and immediately deployed to Okinawa, Japan as a part of the Battalion Landing Team to the 31st MEU. 1stSgt Allen remained with Company E following re-deployment, executed a full work up, and subsequent deployment to the United States Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq in March 2020. Upon return from CENTCOM, 1stSgt Allen was transferred to School of Infantry East in NC where he served as H&S Company H&S Battalion 1stSgt and Marine Combat Training Battalion, Company G 1stSgt.

 

SgtMaj promoted to his current rank in December of 2022 and transferred to 2d Combat Engineer Battalion where he immediately deployed to Europe as part of the Marine Rotational Forces Europe 23.1. Upon return from deployment SgtMaj Allen remained in place and continues to serve as the 2d Combat Engineer Battalion Sergeant Major.

 

SgtMaj Allen's decorations include the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.