Sergeant Major Jacob M. Hayden currently serves as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for 1st Battalion, 7th Marines.
Sergeant Major Jacob Hayden is a native of Chesapeake, Virginia. In July 2007 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and completed Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina. Following Marine Combat Training, he attended Personnel Administration School at Camp Johnson, North Carolina, and subsequently reported to Headquarters and Support Battalion, Camp Lejeune , North Carolina.
In February 2011 Sergeant Major Hayden transferred to Detachment, Marine Air Support Squadron 6, Marine Air Control Group 48, 4th Marine Air Wing, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego, California. In February of 2012 he reported to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Air Group 16, 3d Marine Air Wing, San Diego, CA where he was assigned as the Administrative Specialist NCOIC for the squadron. In April 2012 he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. In July of 2012, Sergeant Major Hayden deployed to Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, Afghanistan. During the deployment he served as the Sergeant of the Guard for the squadron's Quick Reaction Force (QRF) team in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
In October of 2013, Sergeant Major Hayden reported to Drill Instructor School, Class 1-14, aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina. Upon graduating Drill Instructor School, he completed the Marine Corps Water Survival School. Sergeant Major Hayden reported to Bravo Company, First Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, Parris Island, South Carolina to serve as a Drill Instructor and Senior Drill Instructor. In December 2015 he was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant.
In January of 2017, Sergeant Major Hayden reported to Marine Wing Support Detachment 31, Marine Air Group 31, Beaufort, South Carolina. In August of 2018, he reported to Marine Corps Instillation-West G-1, Camp Pendleton, California as the MCI-West Assistant Manpower Chief. In December 2018, Sergeant Major Hayden transferred to 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California as the Regimental Administrative Chief. In February 2019 he was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant.
In May 2021, he reported to Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps San Diego, San Diego, California, as the Assistant Marine Officer Instructor. During the Summer of 2022 he served as a Drill Instructor and Chief Drill Instructor for New Student Indoctrination aboard at Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, Illinois. In May 2023, Sergeant Major Hayden was frocked to the rank of First Sergeant and was directed to support as an augment for Officer Candidate Course 243, Officer Candidate School, Quantico, VA. On August 2023, Sergeant Major Hayden was promoted to First Sergeant. In October 2023, Sergeant Major reported to 1st Maintenance Battalion, where he served as the Tactical Maintenance Company, Unit Senior Enlisted Leader.
In July of 2025, Sergeant Major Hayden reported to the Army Sergeant Major Academy, where he attended the Sergeant's Major Course. In June 2026, he was frocked to his current rank and assumed his duties as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for 1st Battalion, 7th Marines.
Sergeant Major Hayden's personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (gold star in lieu of forth award), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (gold star in lieu of forth award), and the Order of Saint Maurice (COHORT 01427).