Sergeant Major Abel T. Leal
Sergeant Major, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego/ Western Recruiting Region
Sergeant Major Leal reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California in 1993 for recruit training. Upon completion of Assault Amphibian School, Camp Pendleton, California he received the MOS of 1833 and was assigned to 2d Assault Amphibian Battalion, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. In 1995, he deployed to the Mediterranean with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit and was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Corporal.
In January 1998, he reported to Assault Amphibian Schools Battalion, where he served as a Platoon Sergeant and Platform Instructor. In January 2001, he reported to 3d Assault Amphibian Battalion, where he served as Section Leader and Platoon Sergeant. In January 2002, he was deployed to Okinawa, Japan and attached to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. In January 2003, he deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, where he participated in Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.
In June 2004, he reported to Drill Instructor School, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California, where he was assigned to Golf Company, 2d Battalion, and served as a Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor and Chief Drill Instructor.
In June 2007, he reported to 3d Assault Amphibian Battalion where he served as a Platoon Sergeant and Company First Sergeant. In 2008, he was promoted to the rank of First Sergeant and reported to 2d Battalion, 1st Marines (2/1). While assigned to 2/1 he deployed to Al-Qaim, Iraq as the Echo Company First Sergeant.
In January 2010, he reported to Headquarters Company, 1st Marine Regiment and in September 2010, deployed for one year to Afghanistan as Regimental Combat Team 1’s Company First Sergeant. In June 2012, he reported to 1st Battalion, 1st Marines where he deployed to Kajaki, Afghanistan as the Headquarters and Service Company First Sergeant.
In September 2013, he reported for duty as the Sergeant Major of Headquarters Battalion, Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command. In January 2015, he reported for duty as the Sergeant Major of 1st Reconnaissance Battalion and in July 2017 he reported for duty as the Group Sergeant Major of Marine Aircraft Group 16.
In August 2019, he assumed his current duties as the Sergeant Major, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and Western Recruiting Region.
Sergeant Major Leal’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (gold star in lieu of 2nd award), Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with Combat “V” and gold star in lieu of 3rd award), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (gold star in lieu of 2d award), Combat Action Ribbon.