Biography

Sergeant Major Brian R. Drechsler
Sergeant Major, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment

   Sergeant Major Drechsler was born and raised in Washington. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in February 1999 and attended Recruit Training at MCRD San Diego, CA.  Upon completion, he received training at Marine Combat Training School (MCT), at Camp Pendleton.  Following MCT, he reported to Bulk Fuel Specialists School, Fort Lee, VA and upon graduation received the MOS of 1391.

 

   In October 1999, Private First Class Drechsler reported to 9th Engineer Support Battalion (ESB), 3rd Force Service Support Group (FSSG) Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. On 2 September 2000, he was meritoriously to Corporal.

 

   In October 2000, Corporal Drechsler received orders to Headquarters Battalion, Marine Corps Base Hawaii.  While assigned to this command he served as Platoon Sergeant, Training NCO and Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor. In October 2001, Corporal Drechsler attended the Advanced Petroleum Laboratory Course.  He was promoted to Sergeant on 1 February 2002

 

   In October 2003, Sergeant Drechsler was reassigned to Headquarter and Headquarter Squadron, Fuels Division, MCAS Miramar, CA.

 

   In May 2004, Sergeant Drechsler received orders to 1st Bulk Fuel Company, 7th ESB, 1st FSSG, Camp Pendleton, CA. He served as Maintenance Chief and Team Leader for Bulk Fuel Detachment, CSSB-1 1st FSSG, I MEF during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Association leadership award from the Commanding General of 1st MEF in August 2005.

 

    In April 2006, Staff Sergeant Drechsler reported to Drill Instructor School, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, CA.  He graduated as the honor graduate from Class 3-06 and was assigned to Company B, where he served as a Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor and Chief Drill Instructor.

 

   In January 2009, he was meritoriously promoted to Gunnery Sergeant, and transferred to the Instructor Staff, Drill Instructor School and served as a Squad Instructor and Drill Master for 5 classes.

 

   In December 2009, Gunnery Sergeant Drechsler reported to Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, Miramar CA. He served as the Company First Sergeant for Airfield Operations Company and deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 10.2.  In July 2011, he was transferred to Support Company to assume the duties of the Company First Sergeant.

 

   In March 2012, First Sergeant Drechsler reported to Inspector and Instructor Duty, Transportation Services Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 23, Lathrop, CA.

 

   In March 2015, First Sergeant Drechsler reported to 3d Battalion, 8th Marines.  He served as the Company First Sergeant of Company L and deployed in support of the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Crisis Response Africa 15.2. In March 2016 he was reassigned to Company I and deployed aboard the USS Carter Hall during BALTOPS 2016. 

 

  In December 2016, Sergeant Major Drechsler assumed his duties as the 1st Battalion, 8th Marines Sergeant Major.  From August 2017 to February 2018 he deployed in support of a Unit Deployment Program to Okinawa, Japan.

 

Sergeant Major Drechsler’s personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold star and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.


 
12th Marine Littoral Regiment