Biography
Recruit Training Regiment
Sergeant Major David Watts

Sergeant Major Watts enlisted in the Marine Corps and reported to 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina in September 1996.

In December of 1996 he reported to the School of Infantry, Camp Geiger, Jacksonville, North Carolina for training as a 0311. Private First Class Watts reported for duty with India Company 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines in March of 1997.

In February 1997, he was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal. Lance Corporal Watts then deployed with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit in support of Operation Joint Guard. While with India Company 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines, he held the billets of rifleman and automatic rifleman. In October of 1998 Lance Corporal Watts received orders to Weapons and Field Training Battalion, Parris Island, South Carolina.

Lance Corporal Watts was promoted to the rank of Corporal in May of 1999. While assigned to Weapons and Field Training Battalion, he held the billets of Range Coach, and Block NCO. Corporal Watts was promoted to Sergeant in April of 2000 and subsequently transferred to the IRR in September of 2000. Sergeant Watts reported to Echo Company 2nd Battalion 25th Marines in May of 2003.

In 2005 he deployed to Fallujah, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 5-7 and was promoted to Staff Sergeant in April of 2006. In February 2007, Staff Sergeant Watts received orders to 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines and then deployed to Ramadi, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 6-8. While deployed, Staff Sergeant Watts was the Weapons Platoon Sergeant for both Echo Company 2/25 and India Company 3/7.

In July of 2009 Staff Sergeant Watts reported to Drill Instructor School Parris Island, South Carolina and graduated as one of the Distinguished Graduates for Class 4-09. While with Kilo Company 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, Staff Sergeant Watts held the billets of Drill Instructor, Experienced Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, and Chief Drill Instructor. Gunnery Sergeant Watts completed his successful tour as a Drill Instructor in September of 2012.

In October of 2012 Gunnery Sergeant Watts reported to 3rd Battalion 1st Marines, where he assumed the duties as Combined Anti-Armor Team 2 Platoon Sergeant.

Gunnery Sergeant Watts was frocked to the rank of First Sergeant in April of 2013 and reported to 2nd Battalion 1st Marines. While with 2/1, he served as the Echo Company First Sergeant from April 2013 - January 2014 and then Headquarters and Service Company First Sergeant from January 2014 - April 2015.

In April of 2015 First Sergeant Watts received orders back to Parris Island, SC and served with Alpha, Bravo and Charlie Company, completing 7 training cycles from April of 2015 - April 2017.

First Sergeant Watts then served as the Marksmanship Training Company First Sergeant from April 2017 - August 2018.

In September of 2018, First Sergeant Watts was promoted to Sergeant Major and transitioned to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina. While there he served as the Squadron Sergeant Major for VMFA-115 where he completed two deployments.

From April 2021 to August of 2023, Sergeant Major Watts assumed duties and responsibilities as the Battalion Sergeant Major for 2d Assault Amphibian Battalion and the Sergeant Major for 2d Marine Regiment.

Currently, Sergeant Major Watts serves as the Sergeant Major for Recruit Training Regiment, Parris Island, South Carolina.

Sergeant Major Watts's personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal in lieu of 3rd award, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat “V” device and Gold Star in lieu of third award, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Sergeant Major Watts holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Safety Administration and Emergency Management from the University of Maryland Global Campus.

Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island