Sergeant Major David K. McFadden was born in Longview, Texas on May 4th, 1981. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on November 5th, 2001 and received basic training at MCRD San Diego. Upon graduation, he attended the School of Infantry West where he received the MOS of 0331.
In April 2002, Sergeant Major McFadden was assigned to 2d Battalion 8th Marines where he served as a Team Leader, Squad Leader, and Section Leader. During his time with 2/8 he participated in Dynamic Mix in Spain in 2002, Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, Operation Enduring Freedom in 2004, and with the 26th MEU in 2005. While deployed with the 26th MEU he participated in Joint Exercise Caya Green in Israel, Infinite Moonlight in Jordan, and Operation Seahorse in Iraq. Upon return from the 26th MEU Sergeant Major McFadden attended the Martial Arts Instructor course where he graduated as the class Honor Graduate.
In April 2006, Sergeant Major McFadden received orders to Drill Instructor School MCRD San Diego. Upon graduation, he was assigned to 2d Recruit Training Battalion Golf Company where he graduated seven platoons of recruits serving as both a Drill Instructor and Senior Drill instructor. Sergeant Major McFadden also served with Support Battalion Instructional Training Company as a MCIWS at the depot swim tank, and as a MAIT at the depot Martial Arts Satellite School.
In October 2009, Sergeant Major McFadden received orders to 3rd Battalion 1st Marines Weapons Company Combined Anti-Armor Team 2, where he served as a Section leader and Platoon Sergeant. During his time with 3rd Battalion 1st Marines he deployed to Helmand Province Afghanistan in 2010, and with the 11th MEU in 2012.
In August 2012, Sergeant Major McFadden received orders to Staff Non-Commissioned Officers Academy Camp Pendleton, where he served as a Faculty Advisor and Physical Training Instructor for Corporals Course, graduating 18 classes of students.
In April 2014, Sergeant Major McFadden received orders to School of Infantry West to attend Combat Instructor School. Upon graduation Sergeant Major McFadden was assigned to Charlie Company and then to Bravo Company where he served three cycles as a 0311's Platoon Commander and two cycles as Weapons Platoon Commander. In November 2015 Sergeant Major McFadden was selected to be an Instructor Trainer at Combat Instructor School. During his time at Combat Instructor School he was selected as Combat Instructor of the Quarter for 1st and 2nd quarter fiscal year 2016 and was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. Sergeant Major McFadden held the billets of Instructor Trainer, Academics Coordinator, and Chief Instructor.
In June 2017, Sergeant Major McFadden received orders to 2d Battalion 4th Marines, 5th Mar Reg. Upon checking in Sergeant Major McFadden was assigned to Fox Company where he served as the Company Gunnery Sergeant. In March 2018 Sergeant Major McFadden deployed in support of MRF-D 18.2, Australia.
In December 2018 Sergeant Major McFadden received orders to MCRD San Diego to serve as Support Battalion's Operations Chief. During his time he facilitated the implementation of body sparring and extra swim physical training into the training schedule, while overseeing over 15 VIP visits and numerous educator workshops.
In July of 2020, Sergeant Major McFadden received orders to 1st Battalion 12th Marines. Upon arrival, Sergeant Major McFadden was assigned to Battery C. During his tour with 1st Bn 12th Marines Sergeant Major McFadden deployed two times in support of the unit deployment program to Camp Hansen Okinawa, Japan where he served with 3rd Bn 12th Marines.
In July of 2023, Sergeant Major McFadden received orders to Headquarters and Service Battalion where he is currently serving.
Sergeant Major McFadden holds and Bachelor's Degree from Columbia College. His personal Awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold stars in lieu of fifth award, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat "V", and Combat Action Ribbon with gold star in lieu of second award.