Biography
Sergeant Major, 1st Tank Battalion
1stSgt Alva, Eric J.

Sergeant Major, 1st Tank BN

First Sergeant Alva was born in Fountain Valley California in November of 1983. In August 2002, He enlisted in the Marine Corps and attended recruit training at MCRD San Diego, California. Following recruit training, Private Alva proceeded to Infantry Training Battalion, School of Infantry-West, Camp Pendleton, California. While at SOI he was promoted to Private First Class and received the primary MOS 0311.

In 2003, Private First Class Alva transferred to Security Forces Training Company, Basic Security Guard School, Chesapeake, Virginia where he received the secondary MOS 8152. In May 2003, Private First Class Alva was assigned to the Marine Corps Security Forces Company, Kings Bay, Georgia. During this time, he served as a Guard Forces Marine until he was promoted to Lance Corporal in November 2003. Lance Corporal Alva was screened and selected to attend Close Quarters Battle School in Chesapeake, Virginia, where he later served as the CQB Team Leader. In October 2004, he was promoted to the rank of Corporal.

In June 2005, Corporal Alva transferred to 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment Camp Pendleton, California and was assigned to Bravo Company 3rd Platoon. Here he served as a Squad Leader and completed deployment training for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. In February 2006, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. While serving with the 11th MEU, Sergeant Alva participated in several exercises including Exercise Nautical Union. Upon return, Sergeant Alva served as Platoon Sergeant and Platoon Commander for 3rd Platoon.

In February 2007, Sergeant Alva attended Recruiting School, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California. Upon completion of school, he was assigned to Recruiting Station Orange County where he served as a Canvassing Recruiter and RSS SNCOIC. In January 2009, Sergeant Alva was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant. In January 2010, Staff Sergeant Alva attended SNCO Career Course at Camp Pendleton, California.

In April 2010, Staff Sergeant Alva received orders to 1st Intelligence Battalion, Headquarters Company, Camp Pendleton, California. In May 2010, Staff Sergeant Alva attended Sensor Surveillance Operators Course in Dam Neck, Virginia. Upon return, Staff Sergeant Alva served as a Section Leader for Ground Sensor Platoon. In August 2010, Staff Sergeant Alva deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 10-2 serving as Platoon Chief. Between May 2011 and February 2012, Staff Sergeant Alva conducted two 30 day counter narcotic missions in Nogales, Arizona, supporting Joint Task Force North and Border Patrol. In June 2012, Staff Sergeant Alva deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 12-2 where he served as Ground Sensor Platoon Commander. Upon return Staff Sergeant Alva served as 1st Intelligence Battalion, Headquarters Company Gunnery Sergeant.

In July 2013, Staff Sergeant Alva transferred to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment Camp Pendleton, California and was assigned to Combined Anti-Armor Team. In September 2013, Staff Sergeant Alva deployed to Okinawa in support of Unit Deployment Program West where he served as a Section Leader and Platoon Sergeant. Upon return, Staff Sergeant Alva was selected to serve as the Scout Sniper Platoon Sergeant for an upcoming deployment with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. In August 2015, Staff Sergeant Alva was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. Upon return from deployment Gunnery Sergeant Alva served as the 3/1 Weapons Company Operations Chief and attended SNCO Advanced Course at Camp Pendleton, California before transferring to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Command Element in June of 2016.

In July of 2016, Gunnery Sergeant Alva attended the Civil Military Operations NCO and Planners Courses in Quantico, Virginia. In July of 2017 he deployed with the 15th MEU serving as the Assistant Operations Chief and Civil Affairs Chief. In August of 2018 Gunnery Sergeant Alva reported to 1st Tank battalion in Twentynine Palms, California where he was assigned to serve in his as Company 1stSgt for Company C. First Sergeant Alva was frocked to his current rank in January of 2019.

In August of 2020, First Sergeant Alva was selected to serve in his current billet of battalion Sergeant Major.

First Sergeant Alva’s personal awards include the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two Gold Stars, and Combat Action Ribbon.

 
1st Marine Division