Sergeant Major Michael T. Escobar is a native of Berea, South Carolina and began service in the United States Marine Corps in March 2000 at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) Parris Island, South Carolina. He assumed his current duties as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader of 1st Marine Regiment in July of 2024.
He has served in the Fleet Marine Forces with 1st, 2d, and 3d Marine Marine Divisions, 1st Marine Logistics Group, and 3d Marine Aircraft Wing in the following units: 2d Battalion 10th Marines (November 2000 – January 2004); 1st Battalion 12th Marines (September 2006 – September 2009); 1st Maintenance Battalion (October 2012 – August 2015); 1st Tank Battalion (March 2016– November 2016); 2d Battalion 7th Marines (December 2016– March 2019); 3d Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion (April 2019 – April 2021).
His service outside the Fleet Marine Force includes: Marine Security Guard, United States Embassies Tegucigalpa, Honduras and San Jose, Costa Rica (January 2004 - August 2006). Marine Corps Recruiter RS Sacramento, RSS Clovis, CA and Station Commander RSS Fresno, CA (October 2009 - October 2012). Faculty Advisor Enlisted Professional Military Education Academy Camp Pendleton, CA (August 2015 - March 2016).
He was promoted to his current rank in September 2021 where he has served with Recruiting Station Ft Lauderdale and Basic Recruiters Course School MCRD, San Diego.
Sergeant Major Escobar's personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with four Gold Stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two Gold Stars, and various other Service and Campaign medals.