Biography
Sergeant Major, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines
Sergeant Major Eric Shaffer

Sergeant Major Shaffer is a native of Baltimore, Maryland. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in March 1995, and attended recruit training at MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina. Upon Completion of recruit training in June 1995, Private Shaffer proceeded to Infantry Training Battalion at Camp Geiger, Camp Lejeune NC and earned the MOS 0311.

Private Shaffer’s first assignment was Company C “Suicide Charley” 1st Battalion 7th Marine Regiment, 29 Palms CA, in August 1995. During his 3 ½ year tour he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, supported two UDP deployments to Okinawa, Japan. He served as a Rifleman, Fire Team Leader, Squad Leader, Platoon Guide, and Platoon Sergeant.

In May, 1999 Sergeant Shaffer was transferred to Recruiting School MCRD San Diego CA, for instruction as a student. Upon completion of recruiting school he was ordered to Recruiting Station Baltimore, Recruiting Substation Baltimore City as a canvassing recruiter.

In October 2002 Sergeant Shaffer was transferred to 1st Battalion 2D Marine Regiment for duty with Alpha Company. He Served as a Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant and Platoon Commander. During his 3 ½ year tour he was promoted to Staff Sergeant, and supported two combat deployments to Iraq, in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM.

In July 2005 Staff Sergeant Shaffer was transferred to Drill Instructor School MCRD Parris Island SC, for instruction as a student. Upon completion of Drill Instructor School he received orders to Company E, Second Recruit Training Battalion. During his 3 year tour as a Drill Instructor Staff Sergeant Shaffer served as a Green Belt Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, Series Gunnery Sergeant, and Operations Chief. He was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant on 1 December 2007.

In August 2008 Gunnery Sergeant Shaffer was  transferred to 3D Battalion, 9th Marines, 2d Marine Regiment, where he served as  Company Gunnery Sergeant, and Company First Sergeant for Company K, and Company Gunnery Sergeant H&S Company. During his 3 year tour he deployed in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM and OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM.

In July 2011First Sergeant Shaffer received orders to Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2D Marine Logistic group. He served as Company First Sergeant for Landing Support Company.

In December 2012 First Sergeant Shaffer returned to the infantry and reported to 2D Battalion, 2D Marine Regiment. He served as Company First Sergeant Company F. He deployed with Company F, to Afghanistan in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM.

In February 2014 First Sergeant Shaffer was transferred to MCRD Parris Island, where served as Company First Sergeant for Company L, and Company M, and Battalion Sergeant Major.

In March 2016, Sergeant Major Shaffer returned to the infantry to serve as Battalion Sergeant Major of 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 1st Marine Regiment.

Sergeant Major Shaffer’s personal decorations include the Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (Combat V and 2 Gold Stars), Combat Action Ribbon w/ gold star, Recruiting Ribbon, and Drill Instructor Ribbon.

 
1st Marine Division