Sergeant Major Jason T. Simmons
Sergeant Major
2d Recruit Training Battalion

The sergeant major of the 2d Recruit Training Battalion is Sergeant Major Jason T. Simmons.

Sgt. Maj. Jason T. Simmons was born in Monroe, Ga.  He entered the Marine Corps Delayed Entry Program in December 1991 and in August 1992 attended recruit training at Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C.  Upon completion of recruit training, Pvt. Simmons reported to Marine Combat Training at Camp Geiger, N.C.  He then attended his Military Occupational Specialty school in Millington, Tenn. and was assigned the MOS of 6468, avionics for the AV-8B Harrier, and he was promoted to private first class.

In July 1993, he reported to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14 in Cherry Point, N.C.  He was promoted to the rank of lance corporal and was meritoriously promoted to the rank of corporal in August 1994.  Cpl. Simmons was the honor graduate of Corporal's Course in November 1994.

In March 1995, Cpl. Simmons reported to HMM-263 in New River, N.C., where he deployed to the Mediterranean Sea with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard the USS Kearsarge.  During this time, he participated in Operations Deny Flight and Provide Promise.  In January 1996 Simmons was meritoriously promoted to sergeant and was a distinguished graduate at the Sergeant's Course at Camp Geiger.  In February 1996, Sgt. Simmons did a lateral MOS move to 6042, aviation support equipment and served in Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14 in Cherry Point, N.C.

In June 1997, he reported to Drill Instructor School class 4-97 at MCRD Parris Island, finishing as the honor graduate in September 1997.  He served as a drill instructor for Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion.  In December 1998, he served in Support Battalion at the Combat Training Pool as a Marine combat instructor of water survival, Marine combat instructor-trainer of water survival, and team leader.  In January 1999, he was meritoriously promoted to the rank of staff sergeant.  In October 1999, he returned to 2nd Recruit Training Battalion as a senior drill instructor, where he served until August 2000.  

In August 2000, Staff Sgt. Simmons reported to Marine Helicopter Squadron 1 in Quantico, Va.  In addition to his primary MOS, he held the billet of presidential trip leader.  In October 2003, he was promoted to the rank of gunnery sergeant and was awarded the Presidential Service Badge.  During his time at Quantico, he was a distinguished graduate of both the Career and Advanced Courses.  

In August 2004, Gunnery Sgt. Simmons reported to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 in Iwakuni Japan for a two-year overseas tour.  He served as the aviation support equipment manager for Marine Aircraft Group 12 and was selected to the rank of first sergeant. 

In June 2006, he was frocked to first sergeant and reported to 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, as a company first sergeant for Alpha Company.  During his tour at Camp Lejeune, he deployed to Fallujah Iraq in 2007 and was attached to Regimental Combat Team-6.  First Sgt. Simmons again deployed to Ramadi Iraq in 2008 and in 2009 and was attached to 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines.  

In June 2009, he reported to MCRD Parris Island and served as the Company First Sergeant for Lima Company and India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion.  During this time he attended the Naval War College's Navy Senior Enlisted Academy, where he finished as the Distinguished Honor Graduate.

In July 2011, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant major and was assigned to 2nd Recruit Training Battalion.    

Sgt. Maj. Simmons' personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with four gold stars in lieu of 5th award) and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.  He is also authorized to wear the Aircrew Badge and Presidential Service Badge.