Biography
Sergeant Major, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines
SgtMaj M. S. Grabau

Sergeant Major Grabau enlisted in the Marine Corps from National City, California in June of 2001 and completed
recruit training at MCRD San Diego. Following recruit training, he reported to the School of Infantry at Camp
Pendleton, California for Marine Combat Training. Once graduated, he reported to Assault Amphibian Schools
Battalion (AAS Bn) for training as an 1833, Assault Amphibian Vehicle (AAV) Crewman.


In February 2002, Private First Class Grabau reported to Charlie Company, 3d Assault Amphibian Battalion where he
served as an AAV Crewman and Vehicle Commander. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 2003, and
in support of the Unit Deployment Program.


In April 2005, Sergeant Grabau executed orders to Combat Assault Company, 3d Marine Regiment, Marine Corps
Base Hawaii where he deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as part of Embedded Training Team 5-1
as an Embedded trainer to the Afghan National Army in the Pech Valley of Afghanistan.


In April 2009, Staff Sergeant Grabau executed orders to 3d Assault Amphibian Battalion, Delta Company, Marine
Corps Air Ground Combat Center 29 Palms, California. He Deployed to Okinawa Japan in support of the Unit
Deployment Program, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, Battalion landing Team 1/7, and Operation Enduring Freedom
as the Quick Reaction Force Staff Non-Commissioned Officer.


In June 2013, Staff Sergeant Grabau executed orders to 2d Assault Amphibian Battalion, Camp Lejeune North
Carolina. Where he deployed to Okinawa Japan in support of the Unit Deployment Program, Landing Force Carrot.
In November 2015, Gunnery Sergeant Grabau executed orders to 3d Assault Amphibian Battalion, Camp Pendleton
California. Where he deployed on the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Battalion Landing Team 1/4.


In January 2019, First Sergeant Grabau executed orders to the School of Infantry-West, Marine Combat Training
Battalion. In April 2021 First Sergeant Grabau received orders to HQ Company, 7th Marine Regiment, 29 Palms
Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center. In January 2022, First Sergeant Grabau received orders to 3d Battalion, 7th
Marines where he deployed in support of Marine Rotational Force Darwin.


In November of 2022 Sergeant Major Grabau executed orders to Camp Pendleton, California, where he holds his
current billet as the Battalion Sergeant Major of 1st Battalion, 5th Marines.


Sergeant Major Grabau's Professional Military Education includes attending the Corporals Course, Martial Arts
Instructor Course, Assault Amphibian Unit Leaders Course, Foreign Weapons Instructor Course, Sergeants Course,
Staff Non-Commissioned Officer Career Course, Staff Non-Commissioned Officer Advanced Course, Watch
Officer/Watch Chief Course, First Sergeants Course, Senior Enlisted Legal Course, Senior Enlisted Joint Professional
Military Education I, Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education II, E8 1stSgt/MSgt Regional Seminar, and
the Senior Enlisted PME.


Sergeant Major Grabau's personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with (4)
Gold stars in lieu of fifth award, Army Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with (3)
Gold Stars in lieu of fourth award, Combat Action Ribbon with (1) Gold star in lieu of second award.

 
1st Marine Division