An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Marines


Biography

 

Gunnery Sergeant Justin A. Billingsley
Small Ensemble Leader
Marine Forces Reserve Band

Gunnery Sergeant Justin A. Billingsley is a native of Union City, PA. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in July 2003 and attended Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, SC. Upon completion of recruit training, Billingsley attended the Basic Course of Instruction at the Navy School of Music in Little Creek, VA. While there, he was promoted to Lance Corporal.

In May of 2004, Billingsley was assigned to the Third Marine Aircraft Wing Band at Marine Corp Air Station Miramar, San Diego, CA. While stationed there he served as electric bass instrumentalist, picked up the ranks of Corporal and Sergeant, and deployed to Al Asad, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In October of 2007, Billingsley transitioned out of the Marine Corps to attend college.

In April of 2008, Billingsley decided to return to the Marine Corps, and was assigned to the First Marine Division Band in Camp Pendleton, CA where he served as electric bass instrumentalist, rhythm section leader, Library NCOIC, Public Affairs NCOIC, and platoon sergeant. In May of 2012, Billingsley was promoted to the rank of staff sergeant.

In July of 2012, Billingsley was assigned to the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band in Okinawa, Japan where he served as the Training SNCOIC and platoon sergeant.

In April of 2015, Billingsley received orders to the Basic Recruiters Course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. Upon graduation from this course, Billingsley was assigned to Recruiting Station Richmond. He was placed at Recruiting Sub-Station Richmond South where he served as a Canvassing Recruiter, Assistant SNCOIC, and Pool Program Specialist.

In September of 2018, Billingsley was transferred back to the Third Marine Expeditionary Force Band in San Diego, CA where he served as Training Chief and SNCOIC of their popular music group, “Cleared Hot!”

In December of 2020, Billingsley returned to the Navy School of Music and attended the Unit Leaders Course of instruction. Upon completion of the Unit Leaders Course in 2021, Billingsley was assigned to his current unit, the Marine Forces Reserve Band, where he is currently serving as their Small Ensemble Leader.

Gunnery Sergeant Billingsley’s awards include the Navy and Marine Corps commendation Medal; Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, gold star in lieu of second award; Navy Unit Commendation Medal; Good Conduct Medal, silver star in lieu of sixth award; National Defense Medal; Operation Iraqi Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Korea Defense Medal; Sea Service Deployment Medal, three bronze stars in lieu of fourth award; and the Recruiting Service Ribbon.