Earl D. Budd enlisted in the Marine Corps in February 1996 and completed recruit training at MCRD San Diego, California.  After completing training at Infantry Training Battalion, School of Infantry West (SOI-W) he was assigned the MOS 0311 Rifleman.

   In July 1996, Private Budd reported to Kilo Company, 3d Battalion 4th Marines where he served as a Rifleman, Team Leader, Squad Leader and Platoon Sergeant.  In April of 1998, LCpl Budd was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Corporal and later promoted to Sergeant in April of 1999.  During this tour he deployed twice to Okinawa, Japan on Unit Deployment Programs.

     In October 2000, Sergeant Budd reported to Drill Instructor School at MCRD San Diego, California.  He served in both Drill Instructor and Senior Drill Instructor billets in Delta Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion and was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant in July 2003. In September SSgt Budd then reported to Weapons Field Training Battalion, Camp Pendleton, California for duty as Range SNCOIC.

    In January 2004, Staff Sergeant Budd reported to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines located at Camp Pendleton, California.  In May 2004 SSgt Budd deployed to An-Najaf, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as a Platoon Sergeant for Weapons Platoon. SSgt Budd deployed in May of 2006 with the 11th MEU(SOC) while embarked aboard the USS Peleliu. During this tour SSgt Budd held the billets of Platoon Sergeant and Platoon Commander. 

    In January 2007, Staff Sergeant Budd reported to Combat Instructor School, SOI(E).  Upon graduation SSgt Budd was assigned as Weapons Platoon Commander for Alpha Company, Infantry Training Battalion.  He was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant in December 2007 and reassigned as the Company Gunnery Sergeant for Echo Company. GySgt Budd later reported to Combat Instructor to serve as an Instructor.

    In May 2010 GySgt Budd reported to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion 3d Marines where served as the Company Gunnery Sergeant. In May 2011 GySgt Budd deployed to Garsmir, Afghanistan in support of Operations Enduring Freedom. He was frocked to his current rank of First Sergeant in July 2011 and assumed the duties of Company First Sergeant for Charlie Company.

    In February 2012 First Sergeant Budd reported to Combat Assault Company, 3d Marine Regiment for duties as the Company First Sergeant. During this time he participated in six Lava Viper Exercises and five Integrated Training Exercises supporting the regiment’s infantry battalions.



 



    In February of 2013 First Sergeant Budd reported to Weapons Company, 2d Battalion 3d Marines and is currently assigned as the Weapons Company First Sergeant. During this tour he has participated in one Unit deployment Program to Okinawa, Japan. While on UDP he also deployed to South Korea for joint training operation conducted with several allied nations. In March of 2015 First Sergeant Budd reported to his present command  D Co 3d AABN, 29 Palms, California for duties as the Company First Sergeant.



  



     First Sergeant Budd’s personal awards include the Purple Heart, Navy Commendation Medal with three gold stars in lieu of fourth award, Navy Achievement Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon.