Sergeant Major Becker enlisted in the Marine Corps and attended recruit training at MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina in July 1999. Upon graduation from Marine Combat Training, he continued on with training at Helicopter Marine Training Squadron 303 in Camp Pendleton, California earning the MOS of a UH-1N/AH-1W helicopter mechanic. Graduating as the honor graduate for his class, he was given orders to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HML/A) 167 at MCAS New River, North Carolina. SgtMaj Becker was promoted through the rank of Corporal in his time at the squadron and in June of 2001, he reported to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit for deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Upon returning from deployment in September 2002, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and transferred to HML/A-269 for deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as a UH-1N Crew Chief in January of 2003. During his time at HML/A-269, SgtMaj Becker subsequently deployed two more times in support of OIF/OEF and was promoted meritoriously to the rank of Staff Sergeant in April 2004. While serving within the command, he also attended Weapons and Tactics Instructor School at Yuma, Arizona and served in the billets of Marine Air Group (MAG) 29 Enlisted NATOPS Evaluator and Enlisted Weapons and Tactics Crew Chief Instructor. In January of 2006, he attended the Staff Non-Commissioned Officer’s Academy Career Course in Camp Geiger, North Carolina and graduated as the honor graduate.
In April of 2007, SgtMaj Becker reported to Drill Instructor School, MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina. Upon completion of school, he reported to Marine Corps Instructor of Water Survival School 2-07 and graduated as the honor graduate. Following graduation, he reported for duty to Alpha Company, First Recruit Training Battalion. During his tour as a drill instructor within the battalion, SgtMaj Becker was selected the Drill Instructor of the year for 1st Recruit Training Battalion, all of MCRD Parris Island, and the entire Marine Corps for the year 2008. In April of 2009, he was reassigned for duty to the Drill Instructor School, where he graduated six classes of new Drill Instructors to the Recruit Training Regiment.
SgtMaj Becker returned to operating forces in July of 2010, and was selected to the rank of First Sergeant. At that grade, SgtMaj Becker served as the Company First Sergeant for Headquarters Company, 2d Marine Regiment; Lima Company, 3d Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, where he deployed in support of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit; India Company, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations-East; and Fox Company, 2d Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
In June of 2015, SgtMaj Becker was selected to attend the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy, Class 66, where he finished his studies and departed as a distinguished graduate in June of 2016. In November of 2016, SgtMaj Becker was selected to his present grade and received orders to the Advanced Infantry Training Battalion, School of Infantry-East where he currently serves as the Battalion Sergeant Major.
First Sergeant Becker’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with thirteen strike flight awards and bronze star for individual action, the Navy Commendation Medal with two gold stars in lieu of third award, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with combat distinguishing device and two gold stars in lieu of third award, the Outstanding Military Volunteer Service Medal, and the Enlisted Combat Aircrewman Insignia.