2nd Battalion, 1st Marines
Sergeant Major

SgtMaj Cook

Sergeant Major Cook was born in Kalamazoo, MI. He graduated from Fort Gibson High School, Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, in 1985. He entered the Marine Corps on 28 October 1986. SgtMaj Cook underwent recruit training at MCRD, San Diego, CA. After completing recruit training, he reported to Marine Corps Communication Electronic School, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, 29 Palms, CA for MOS training as a Field Radio Operator.

After completing MOS School, Private First Class Cook transferred to Headquarters Battery, 3rd Battalion 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division Okinawa, Japan and performed his duties as a Radio Operator. While at 3/12 he was meritoriously promoted to Corporal in March 1989.

After leaving Okinawa in August 1990, Corporal Cook transferred to Marine Corps Communication Electronics School, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, 29 Palms, CA where he served as an instructor. He was the MCAGCC NCO of the Quarter, Honor Graduate from NCO School, and was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Sergeant in August of 1991. Sergeant Cook also earned his Master Instructor certification during this period.

In January 1994, Sergeant Cook transferred to Lima Battery, 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division Okinawa, Japan and performed his duties as a Radio Chief. In January 1996 Sergeant Cook was transferred to Naval Gunfire Platoon, Communication Company, 3rd Marine Division where he served as Radio Chief.

In October 1996 Sgt Cook attended Recruiting School and was subsequently assigned as a canvassing recruiter at Recruiting Substation Springfield, MO, and later as the NCOIC of Independence, MO. During this time he was recognized as the NCOIC of the Year in 1999.

After successfully completing his recruiting tour, Gunnery Sergeant Cook was transferred to MWSG-17, 1st MAW Okinawa, Japan and served as the Group Communication Chief/PSD First Sergeant. While stationed with MWSG-17 Gunnery Sergeant Cook attended Communication Chief Course, Marine Corps Communication Electronic School, 29 Palms, CA where he finished as the Honor Graduate. Gunnery Sergeant Cook also deployed as the Special MAGTF Communication Chief for Operation Nobel Eagle after September 11, 2001. In January 2002 Gunnery Sergeant Cook was assigned to the United States Support Group East Timor, Operation Stabilize, as the Joint Communication Chief until May 2002. While assigned to USGET, Gunnery Sergeant Cook was selected to First Sergeant.

After his promotion to First Sergeant in 2002, he was assigned as Company First Sergeant, Alpha Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd FSSG Okinawa, Japan. In November 2002 he was transferred to Headquarters Battery 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division. First Sergeant Cook also served as a member of the 2004 Staff Sergeant Selection Board at Quantico, VA.

In April 2005, First Sergeant Cook deployed with Anti-Terrorism Battalion, 4th MEB, II MEF on a one year tour in support of operation Iraqi Freedom. First Sergeant Cook was assigned to a Border Transition Team and trained Iraqi Border Police along the Saudi, Jordan, and Syrian Border. While in Iraq, First Sergeant Cook was selected to his present rank of Sergeant Major.

In July of 2006 Sergeant Major Cook was transferred to Marine Corps Security Force Battalion, Bangor Washington where he served as the Battalion Sergeant Major.

In May 2009 Sergeant Major Cook assumed his current billet as 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines Sergeant Major.

Sergeant Major Cook’s personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal w/ two gold stars, Navy Achievement Medal w/ one silver and two gold stars, Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal w/ one bronze star, and Korean Service Medal. Sergeant Major Cook is also a Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor.