Sergeant Major Brandon W. Fairbanks is a native of Jacksonville, Florida. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in December of 1999 and attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) Parris Island, SC, followed by Marine Combat Training at Camp Geiger, NC. Upon completion of initial training, he attended Amphibious Assault Vehicle Crewman course, Camp Pendleton, CA. Private First Class Fairbanks then received orders to Bravo Company (Co) (-) 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion (AABN), Jacksonville, FL to serve as an Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV) crewman.
In April of 2002, Lance Corporal Fairbanks (LCpl) was attached to Delta Co, 2d AABN, Camp Lejeune, NC. In May of 2002, LCpl Fairbanks deployed to South America in support of Operation United Americas 43-02. During this time, LCpl Fairbanks served as an AAV crewman and crew chief and participated in multiple bilateral exercises across the continent. In January 2003, Corporal (Cpl) Fairbanks was assigned to Delta Co, 3d AABN, Camp Pendleton, CA. Cpl Fairbanks then deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During this time, Corporal Fairbanks served as a AAV crew chief in support of combat operations.
In February of 2004, Sergeant (Sgt) Fairbanks deployed with Charlie Co, 2d AABN to South America in support of Operation United Americas 44-04. In October 2004, Sergeant Fairbanks attended Basic Recruiter Course, MCRD San Diego, CA. Upon graduation, Sgt Fairbanks received orders to Marine Corps Recruiting Station, Jacksonville, FL to serve as a canvasing recruiter. Upon completion of his successful tour, Sgt Fairbanks transferred to the Selected Marine Corps Reserve and would serve as an AAV section leader at Bravo Co (-) 4th AABN. In March of 2008, Staff Sergeant (SSgt) Fairbanks transferred to the Inactive Ready Reserve. For the next two years, SSgt Fairbanks completed his undergraduate degree and had a successful career in healthcare management.
In October 2010, SSgt Fairbanks reenlisted into the Selected Marine Corps Reserve and was assigned to Alpha Co (-) 4th AABN, Little Creek, VA. During this time, SSgt Fairbanks served as an AAV Platoon Sergeant and Platoon Commander. InApril of 2011, Staff Sergeant Fairbanks transferred to Supply Co, 4th Supply Bn, Raleigh, NC, to serve as Co Gunnery Sergeant. In November 2011, SSgt Fairbanks was assigned as an individual mobilized augmentee to the Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment, Quantico, VA. In the role of a District Injured Support Coordinator, Staff Sergeant Fairbanks assisted wounded, ill, and injured Marine Corps and Navy Corpsman veterans with their continued transition from active duty to civilian life.
In September 2014, Gunnery Sergeant (GySgt) Fairbanks volunteered to return to Recruiting Duty and served as Staff Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (SNCOIC) of two Recruiting Sub Stations at Marine Corps Recruiting Station Jacksonville, FL. During this time, GySgt Fairbanks was designated as SNCOIC of the year for FY2015 and subsequently earned the military occupational skill designator 8412, Career Recruiter. In September 2016, GySgt Fairbanks was board selected and approved by the
Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruiting Command, to serve as the inaugural Marine Corps marketing liaison to J. Walter Thompson advertising, Atlanta, GA. In May 2017, GySgt Fairbanks received orders to the 6th Marine Corps Recruiting District, MCRD Parris Island, SC, to serve as the Marketing Chief and district training team member.
In February 2018, GySgt Fairbanks was frocked to the rank of First Sergeant and received orders to 1st Bn, 2d Marine Regiment, Camp Lejeune, NC. Assigned to Weapons Company, First Sergeant Fairbanks participated in multiple training exercises in preparation for deployment. In December 2018, First Sergeant Fairbanks deployed with the 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit, Battalion Landing Team 1/2 in support of worldwide operations. In February 2020, First Sergeant Fairbanks was selected to attend the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy, Class 71, Fort Bliss, TX. In July 2021, First Sergeant Fairbanks received
orders to Marine Aircraft Group 31, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, SC and served as Senior Enlisted Advisor and Headquarters and Service Company First Sergeant for Marine Wing Support Squadron 273, and subsequently Squadron First Sergeant for Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31. In May of 2022, Sergeant Major Fairbanks was frocked to his current rank and received orders to 3d Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment to serve as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader.
Sergeant Major Fairbanks is married to the former AnnaLise Moerings and they have three children. He holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of Texas at El Paso, a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from the Pennsylvania State University, and is a graduate of the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy, Class 71. His personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with four gold stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal with four gold stars, the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.