Rupert K. Palmer enlisted in the delayed entry program in February 1998. In July 1998, Sergeant Major Palmer graduated recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island (MCRD PI), South Carolina. Shortly after graduation from Marine Combat Training, he reported to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, where he attended Primary Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) School. Upon completing the Motor Vehicle Operator's Course, he was assigned the Motor Vehicle Operator MOS (3531). Throughout his tenure, he has served as a Motor Vehicle Operator, Ammunition Driver, Cannon Driver, Dispatcher, Regimental Commander's Driver, Instructor, Platoon Sergeant, Road Master, Company Gunnery Sergeant, Operations Chief, Assistant Marine Officer Instructor (AMOI), Unit Senior Enlisted Leader, and Command Senior Enlisted Leader at various units within 2d Marine Division, 3rd Marine Air Wing, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, and 3d Marine Logistics Group.
From January 1999 to March 2002, he was assigned to Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 10th Marines. In March 2002, he was transferred to the Motor Transport Maintenance Instructional Company, Logistics Operations School, Camp Johnson, North Carolina. He was subsequently assigned to MCRD PI from December 2004 to January 2008. While assigned to Company H, 2d Recruit Training Battalion, and Special Training Company, Sergeant Major Palmer served as a Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, and Platoon Commander at MCRD PI. He transferred to Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Miramar, California, from January 2008 to May 2011. From May 2011 to August 2014, he served as an AMOI at the University of Southern California. During this tour, he served on two summer assignments as a Sergeant Instructor at Officer Candidates School, Quantico, Virginia. Upon completion of his tour as an AMOI, he was assigned to Combat Logistics Regiment 3 from August 2014 to June 2017. He was reassigned to MCRD PI from June 2017 to March 2021, where he served as the Unit Senior Enlisted
Leader in the following units: Company L and M, Third Recruit Training Battalion; Company N and P, Fourth Recruit Training Battalion; and Headquarters Company, Headquarters and Service Battalion.
He was promoted to his current rank in February 2021 and executed orders to 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III MEF Information Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force Okinawa, Japan. He was subsequently assigned in January 2023 as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader of 3d Sustainment Group (Experimental), 3D Marine Logistics Group, Okinawa, Japan.
His deployments for training and operational experience include Battle Griffin (Norway), CAX/ITX at 29 Palms, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (2001), Operation Iraqi Freedom 08.2, Operation Enduring Freedom 10.2., and Korea Marine Exchange Program 23.2.
His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two Gold Stars, and the Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.