SgtMaj Finney joined the Marine Corps in May of 2000 and attended Boot Camp at MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina as a recruit in 2d Recruit Training Battalion, Hotel Company, 2d Platoon. During his time recruit Finney acted as squad leader, and platoon guide. Upon completion he was awarded the Rank of PFC.
In September of 2000, PFC Finney reported to Camp Geiger for Marine Combat Training and graduated in September of 2000 where he reported to Camp Johnson for Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) 0431 Logistics Embarkation Specialist training.
In October of 2000, upon graduation from Logistics Embarkation (0431) MOS school, then PFC Finney reported to H&S Bn, HQ Co, 2d Marine Division and was assigned TAD orders to 6th Marine Regiment as an embarkation specialist and completed Combined Arms Exercise (CAX) training in 29 Palms California. During this time he was promoted to LCpl.
In February 2001, LCpl Finney reported back to HQ Bn, and was given the opportunity to join the 22D Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) as an embarkation logistics NCO for the Command Element. LCpl Finney was promoted to Cpl during the PTP cycle and deployed with the 22D MEU in January of 2002. During this deployment, Cpl Finney was additionally assigned as the Command Element armory NCOIC. Cpl Finney returned in August of 2002 and was re-attached to HQ Bn Camp Lejeune.
In December of 2002, Cpl Finney was assigned to accompany a detachment to Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Cpl Finney was placed as the NCOIC of the detachment. During this time Cpl Finney provided route security, logistical movement, asset recovery and distribution support to both I Marine Expeditionary Force and II Marine Expeditionary Force. During this time, Cpl Finney was promoted to Sgt and returned to HQ Bn Camp Lejeune.
In June of 2003 Sgt Finney was assigned to II Marine Expeditionary Force Task Force Georgia where he deployed to the Republic of Georgia until December of 2003. During this time Sgt Finney provided logistical support, armory support, as well as assisted the Combat Arms instructor cadre training the Georgian Army.
In December 2003, Sgt Finney again returned to 2d Marine Division, HQ Bn, where he was assigned until his EAS in May of 2004.
In July of 2004, Sgt Finney returned to active duty and was assigned orders to 2D Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force where he deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He served as embarkation NCOIC and Fire Support Team (FIST) team leader until August of 2005. During this deployment, Sgt Finney was assigned to multiple United States Army units in support of battlespace shaping, presence, and Counter Insurgency (COIN) Operations.
In December 2006, Sgt Finney reported to the Reconnaissance Indoctrination Platoon (RIP) at 2d Reconnaissance Battalion in order to prepare for Amphibious Reconnaissance School. Upon graduation from (ARS) Little Creek Virginia, Sgt Finney was assigned orders to 2d Reconnaissance Battalion where he served as team leader in Co C, and deployed to with the 26th MEU. Sgt Finney was promoted to SSgt during the deployment.
In April of 2009 SSgt Finney returned to 2d Reconnaissance Battalion where he was assigned as a Team Leader, Force Reconnaissance Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force where he served as dive team leader for 2d Platoon. During this time, SSgt Finney conducted multiple training assignments including the Dutch Antilles Islands with the Dutch Marines and Dutch Army. SSgt Finney was selected for promotion to GySgt in 2010. Consequently, SSgt Finney was assigned to HQ Co 2d Reconnaissance Bn as Company Gunnery Sergeant where he deployed in support of Operations in Afghanistan. Upon arrival in Afghanistan, SSgt Finney utilized his logistics background to assist the establishment of 2d Reconnaissance Battalion Headquarters. Upon the arrival of all 2d Reconnaissance Battalion personnel, SSgt Finney was assigned to Company B. 2d Reconnaissance Battalion and utilized as Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC).
In April of 2011, then SSgt Finney was promoted to GySgt and returned from Afghanistan in May of 2011, where he returned to 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, and served as Dive Locker SNCOIC where he trained, mentored, and prepared Reconnaissance Marines to become Marine Corps combatant divers.
In October of 2011, then GySgt Finney was assigned to Co C, 3d Platoon 2d Reconnaissance Battalion where he deployed as Platoon Sergeant attached to Reconnaissance Platoon, Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 22D Marine Expeditionary Unit, in February 2014. During the deployment GySgt Finney conducted training and operations in the 5th and 6th fleet AOR.
Upon return to Camp Lejeune, GySgt Finney was assigned as the Assistant Operations Chief / Training Chief for 2d Reconnaissance Battalion. GySgt Finney conducted multiple training events, scheduled and tracked individual Marines annual training, coordinated specialized course attendance, Battalion level MEU certification exercises, and general administrative S-3 functions.
GySgt Finney was selected to the rank of First Sergeant in December of 2014. GySgt Finney was frocked to the rank of 1stSgt in February of 2015 and assigned to Company D. 4th Reconnaissance Battalion Inspector Instructor (I&I) Staff in Albuquerque New Mexico. Among other collateral duties during his I&I tour 1stSgt Finney also served as the Albuquerque New Mexico Toys for Tots Coordinator and was chosen as the Toys for Tots coordinator of the year for region five in 2016.
In August of 2017 1stSgt Finney received permanent change of station orders to 2D Marine Raider Battalion. In April of 2018 1stSgt Finney reported for duty as the Company I 1stSgt. During his tenure as Company I 1stSgt, 1stSgt Finney supported multiple team and company training exercises until his selection to Sergeant Major. Upon selection, 1stSgt Finney was transferred to Headquarters and Service Company, 2d Marine Raider Battalion where he served until his promotion in November of 2019.
Sergeant Major Finney was transferred to Infantry Training Battalion, School of Infantry East on 3 January 2020 where he currently serves.
Sgtmaj Finney is a Marine Corps Combatant Diver, Naval Parachutist, Static Line Jumpmaster, Military Free Fall Jumpmaster, Helicopter Rope Suspension Techniques (HRST) master, Marine Combat Instructor of Water Survival, Methods of Entry qualified (Breacher). SgtMaj Finney is a graduate of the Joint Special Operations Forces Senior Enlisted Academy class of 2-16. SgtMaj Finney currently attends online courses at the University of Charleston and aspires to receive a Bachelor’s degree from the school of business and organizational leadership.
SgtMaj Finney’s personal awards include, Navy Commendation with Combat distinguishing device and gold star in lieu of 3d Award, Navy Achievement Medal x 5, Combat Action Ribbon and the outstanding volunteer service medal.