Sergeant Major Bauer is a native of Missouri.  He underwent recruit training at MCRD, San Diego, CA in June 1995 and completed Infantry Training at SOI West, Camp Pendleton, CA for MOS training as an 0311 Rifleman where he was meritoriously promoted upon graduation.  Private First Class Bauer then reported to 3D Bn, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton California where he served as platoon radio operator, Fire Team Leader, Squad Leader and Helicopter Rope Suspension Training Master in Kilo and India Company.  During his tour with 3/5, Bauer was meritoriously promoted to Lance Corporal and Corporal, participated in two UDP’s to Okinawa with the 31st MEU, as well as competed in the Marine Corps Competitive Marksmanship Program, Western Division Matches.  
In October 1999, Sergeant Bauer reported to Marine Combat Training Battalion, SOI West where he served as an instructor for Golf Company.  In August 2000, Sergeant Bauer attended Recruiters School and later reported to RS Jacksonville, FL; RSS Statesboro, GA; PCS Hinesville, GA for recruiting duty.  

In December 2003, Staff Sergeant Bauer reported to 3D Bn 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division where he served as the Battalion Assistant Operations Chief, and Weapons Platoon Sergeant for Lima and Kilo Company.  During this tour, Bauer participated in three combat deployments to Iraq and numerous operations to include Operation Phantom Fury.  

In March 2008, Gunnery Sergeant Bauer reported to the Staff Non-Commissioned Officers Academy, Camp Pendleton where he served as Faculty Advisor and Instructor at the Advanced Course.  In April 2010, he was frocked to rank of First Sergeant and in June he reported to Detachment 3, Maintenance Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 453 where he served as the Inspector Instructor First Sergeant in Vienna, Ohio.  

In August 2014, First Sergeant Bauer reported to 8th Engineer Support Battalion where he served as Company First Sergeant for Bravo Company and Engineer Support Company.   In February 2015, First Sergeant Bauer was frocked to the rank of Sergeant Major and reported to MCAS Cherry Point where he served as Squadron Sergeant Major for Headquarters & Headquarters Squadron. In January 2017, Sergeant Major Bauer reported to MAG-14 as the Squadron Sergeant Major for VMA-223.  While with VMA-223, he deployed in support of SPMAGTF-CR-CC. 

In July 2019, Sergeant Major Bauer executed orders to Marine Aviation Detachment, Naval Air Station Patuxent River. 
In March 2022, Sergeant Major Bauer executed orders to Marine Corps Detachment, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri where he is currently serving as the Detachment Sergeant Major.   Sergeant Major Bauer’s personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with three gold stars in lieu of 4th Award, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold star in lieu of 2nd Award, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon.