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Marines


Biography

 

First Sergeant Bandon M. Findlay
Inspector-Instructor Unit Senior Enlisted Leader
Military Police Company B

First Sergeant Findlay is a native of Fort Smith, Arkansas.  He enlisted in the Marine Corps in April, 2004 and attended recruit training in Delta Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California where he was promoted to the rank of Private First Class.  Upon graduation of recruit training, he reported to the School of Infantry Camp Pendleton, California for Marine Combat Training.  He was then assigned to Pensacola, Florida for MOS training where he earned the MOS of 6048, Flight Equipment Technician. 

Upon completion of MOS school, Private First Class Findlay reported for duty to MALS-39, MAG-39, Camp Pendleton, California in October, 2004.  He was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal in January 2005.  In November, 2005 he held the title of MAG-39 Marine of the Quarter and received a promotion to the rank of Corporal in December 2005.  In January, 2006 Corporal Findlay began an eight month deployment with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit where he participated in Humanitarian operations in the Philippines.  Upon returning in November of 2006, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.  In April, 2008 he was deployed to Al Anbar Province, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and returned in November, 2008. 

In April, 2009, Sergeant Findlay reported to Drill Instructor School Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina where he graduated as the class Iron Man.  Upon completion of Drill Instructor School, he reported to 1st Recruit Training Battalion, Charlie Company where he served 5 cycles as a Drill Instructor, 2 cycles as a Senior Drill Instructor, and 2 cycles as a Chief Drill Instructor. In February, 2011 he was promoted to Staff Sergeant and was named the 1st Battalion Senior Drill Instructor of the Quarter in April 2012. 

Upon completion of Drill Instructor duty in January 2013, Staff Sergeant Findlay reported for duty to MALS-29, MAG-29, MCAS New River where he served as the Flight Equipment Quality Assurance Representative and the MALS-29 Squadron Gunnery Sergeant from February 2013 to July 2014. 

In July, 2014, Staff Sergeant Findlay received orders to VMM-365, MAG-26, MCAS New River.  In December 2014, he deployed with the 24th MEU as the ACE Squadron Gunnery Sergeant in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and returned in July 2015.

In July, 2016, Staff Sergeant Findlay reported for a second tour of Drill Instructor Duty aboard MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina.  In August, 2016, he was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant and remained on the Staff of Drill Instructor School where he served 4 classes as the Physical Training Instructor.  In June, 2017 Gunnery Sergeant Findlay received orders to Golf Company 2nd Recruit Training Battalion where he served 4 cycles as a Chief Drill Instructor and Company First Sergeant.

In October, 2018 Gunnery Sergeant Findlay received orders to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464 where he served as the Flight Equipment Division Chief and Squadron Gunnery Sergeant until August 2020.

In August, 2020 he was promoted to the rank of First Sergeant and received orders to his current assignment as the I-I First Sergeant, 4th Law Enforcement BN, Bravo Company, North Versailles, PA.

First Sergeant Findlay’s personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold star in Lieu of 4th Award, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star in Lieu of 2nd Award, and the Drill Instructor Ribbon with bronze star in Lieu of 2nd Award.