Sgt. Maj. Ronnie E. Ellis is a Gibson, Ga., native. After graduating from Glasscock County Consolidated High School, Ellis enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C.
Upon completion of basic training, Ellis attended Marine Combat Training at Camp Geiger, N.C., and Motor Transportation Operators Course at Camp Johnson, N.C.
From April 1996 to July 1998, Ellis served as forward observer for 2nd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, Camp Lejeune, N.C. During this tour, he deployed with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and was promoted to the ranks of private first class, lance corporal (meritoriously), and corporal.
From July 1998 to December 1998, Ellis served as commanding general driver, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
From January 1998 to July 2001, Ellis served as watch stander, assistant detachment commander, and detachment commander for Marine Security Guard Detachments in Manama, Bahrain, and New Delhi, India. During this tour, he was promoted to the ranks of sergeant and staff sergeant (meritoriously).
Upon completion of Marine Security Guard duty, Ellis transferred and served as staff noncommissioned officer in charge of Semi-Refueler Operator Course and Vehicle Recovery Course at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., from July 2001 to April 2004.
Ellis transferred in April 2004 to Drill Instructor School at MCRD Parris Island where, after graduating, he served as drill instructor, senior drill instructor, series gunnery sergeant for Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, and instructor at Drill Instructor School until December 2007. During this tour, he was promoted to the rank of gunnery sergeant.
From December 2007 to May 2008, Ellis served as company first sergeant for General Support Motor Transportation Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Ellis reported in May 2008 to serve as company first sergeant for Security Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Camp Lejeune, N.C. During this tour, he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and was promoted to the rank of first sergeant.
Upon returning from deployment, Ellis reported in June 2009 to serve as battery first sergeant for Battery G, 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
In April 2010, Ellis transferred and served as the Inspector-Instructor first sergeant for Company B, 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, in Atlanta.
Ellis transferred in October 2012 to serve as company first sergeant for Company G, 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, Marine Special Operations Command. During this tour, he deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and was promoted to his current rank of sergeant major.
In April 2014, Ellis reported to and served as battalion sergeant major for 2nd Maintenance Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 25, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Ellis transferred to Parris Island, S.C., in November 2015, where he served as battalion sergeant major for 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, Support Battalion and currently as battalion sergeant major for 1st Recruit Training Battalion.
Ellis is married and has two children.
His personal decorations include Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.