Joshua A. Toles enlisted in the Marine Corps May 2001 and completed recruit training at Parris Island, South Carolina from the Second Recruit Training Battalion. After completing Marine Combat Training, he was assigned the military occupational specialty of 0621, field radio operator.
In December 2001, Private First Class Toles reported to Lima Battery, 3rd Battalion, 10th Marines, 2nd Marine Division. From March 2003 to October 2003, Lance Corporal Toles deployed with Battalion Landing Team 1/8 on the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Additional missions with the MEU include humanitarian service in Liberia, Africa. During this deployment, he was promoted to the rank of Corporal.
In January 2004, Corporal Toles was attached to 2nd Battalion 10th Marines for Operation Iraqi Freedom II. Corporal Toles served as the Radio Chief for Lima Battery during this deployment. He was deployed to Iraq in August 2004 to February 2005 and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
July 2005, Sergeant Toles reported to Drill Instructor school Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina. He checked in for duty at the 2nd Recruit Training Battalion where he successfully fulfilled the billets of both drill instructor and senior drill instructor. Additionally, He served as the Color Sergeant for his Battalion. He was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant on April 1, 2008 just before the completion of his tour.
In September 2008, Staff Sergeant Toles attended Radio Chief's Course. Upon completion of Radio Chiefs Course in December 2008, SSgt Toles Reported to 1st Tank Battalion where he was assigned to Charlie Company as the Radio Chief, Platoon Sergeant, and Weight Control Officer. Staff Sergeant Toles attended Staff Academy in August 2009 for Career Course. In February 2010 to September 2010, SSgt Toles deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. There, he served as the 3rd Platoon Sergeant, Weight Control Officer, Radio Chief, Sensitive Material Manager, Watch Chief, and Watch Officer. He deployed to Afghanistan in support of OEF again in October 2011 as a Communications Advisor for the Afghan National Civil Order Police. During this deployment, he also served as an Intel Officer and Machine Gunner.
He was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant on October 1, 2012 and attended Advanced Course October 24 2012. Upon completion of Advanced Course, he attended Communications Chiefs Course in January 2013 to March 2013. Gunnery Sergeant Toles reported to Marine Wing Support Squadron 273 in May 2013 where he served as the Company First Sergeant for Headquarters and Service Company until April 2015. April 1, 2015 to January 4 2016, Gunnery Sergeant Toles served as a Squad Instructor at Drill Instructor School, MCRD, Parris Island, South Carolina. He was promoted to the rank of First Sergeant on 4 January 2016 and served as the Company First Sergeant for Hotel Company, Second Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment until December 2017. First Sergeant Toles reported to 1st Battalion 2D Marines on 15 December 2017 where he served as the Company First Sergeant for Company A and Headquarters and Service Company. He was promoted his current rank of Sergeant Major on 1 April 2021 and was assigned to VMFA 115 as the Squadron Sergeant Major.
In January 2023, Sergeant Major Toles transferred to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island to serve as the Second Recruit Training Battalion Sergeant Major.
Sergeant Major Toles' awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal with three gold stars in lieu of fourth award, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal with two gold stars in lieu of third award, and Combat Action Ribbon.