Sergeant Major Theodore R. Painter is a native of Lima, Ohio. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in December 2002 and completed recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, where he was meritoriously promoted to Private First Class.
Following Marine Combat Training at Camp Geiger, North Carolina, Sergeant Major Painter entered the communications field and completed formal training as a Field Radio Operator and Mobile Multichannel Equipment Operator. He distinguished himself early as an Honor Graduate and went on to serve in a variety of operational communications billets across the operating forces.
As a junior Marine and Noncommissioned Officer, Sergeant Major Painter served with Communications Company, Headquarters and Service Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group in Okinawa, Japan, supporting international exercises throughout the Pacific. He later served at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego as a Training Noncommissioned Officer and Administration Chief before reporting to Marine Wing Communications Squadron 38, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. There, he served as a Super High Frequency Team Chief and Platoon Sergeant, supporting communications operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In July 2006, Sergeant Major Painter reported to 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, where he held multiple leadership billets and was promoted to Staff Sergeant. He later returned to the operating forces with Marine Wing Support Squadron 374, Marine Wing Support Group 37, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, serving as Transmissions Chief and Squadron Communications Chief. In this role, he oversaw all flight-line communications and supported multiple Integrated Training Exercises and a Weapons and Tactics Instructor course.
In February 2012, Sergeant Major Painter transitioned from the Active Component to the Selected Marine Corps Reserve and reported to Detachment Communications Company, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division. Promoted to Gunnery Sergeant in November 2013, he served as Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Detachment Commander, Operations Chief, Division Communications Chief during Reserve Integrated Training Exercises, and as Company Gunnery Sergeant.
Selected for First Sergeant in March 2019, he reported to 4th Combat Engineer Battalion, 4th Marine Division, where he served as Company First Sergeant for Company A. In May 2022, he was reassigned to Combat Logistics Regiment 45, 4th Marine Logistics Group, serving as Company First Sergeant for Landing Support Company.
Sergeant Major Painter was promoted to his current rank in April 2023 and assigned as Squadron Sergeant Major for Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773, Marine Aircraft Group 49, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing. In January 2026, he was assigned as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for Marine Aviation Training Support Group 42.
Sergeant Major Painter holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in Manufacturing Engineering, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, and a Masters degree in Information Systems Management. He is a graduate of the Navy Senior Enlisted Academy.
His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with one gold star, and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal with one gold star.