First Sergeant Frank Cruz Jr. enlisted into the Marine Corps on November 15, 2005 from El Monte, California. First Sergeant Cruz attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. Upon completion of recruit training, Private Cruz reported to the School of Infantry at Camp Pendleton, California for Marine Combat Training. Upon completion of MCT, Private Cruz reported to Military Police School in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and was assigned the MOS of 5811, Military Policeman.
In August 2006, PFC Cruz was directed to report to 1st Marine Logistics Group, Camp Pendleton California, where he served with Military Police Company, Combat Logistics Regiment-17. While at Military Police Company, he was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Corporal. In November 2007, Corporal Cruz deployed with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. In March 2010, Corporal Cruz deployed with Combat Logistics Regiment-15, Security Company as a squad leader to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 10.1 and was combat meritoriously promoted to Sergeant. Upon returning from Afghanistan, Sergeant Cruz held multiple billets for Military Police Company such as Squad Leader, Training Chief, Operations Chief, Martial Arts Instructor and Non-lethal Weapons Instructor.
In October 2011, Sergeant Cruz requested and received orders to Drill Instructor School 1-12. In December 2011, Sergeant Cruz was assigned to Delta Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion. Sergeant Cruz completed 5 cycles as Drill Instructor and 2 cycles as a Senior Drill Instructor. In June 2014, Sergeant Cruz was promoted to Staff Sergeant and finished his tour in Support Battalion, Receiving Company as a Senior Drill Instructor.
In October 2014, Staff Sergeant Cruz was selected and executed orders to the Pentagon. Where he served as a member and Staff Non Commission Officer in Charge of the Commandant of the Marine Corps' Protection Detail. While on the PSD, he protected the 36th and 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps. In July 2018, Staff Sergeant Cruz executed orders to Marine Helicopter Squadron One, where he served as a Platoon Sergeant. In August 2018, he was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant. While at Marine Helicopter Squadron One, Gunnery Sergeant Cruz received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Ashford University.
In June 2019, Gunnery Sergeant Cruz requested and received orders to Maine Maritime Academy/University of Maine for duties as an Assistant Marine Officer Instructor. During his AMOI tour Gunnery Sergeant Cruz completed a cycle at Officer Candidate School, and was the Operations Chief for the first Marine Month held in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Additionally, Gunnery Sergeant Cruz completed the Master of Business Administration degree program from the University of Maine. In June 2022, First Sergeant Cruz was promoted to his current rank, and executed orders to First Battalion, Fifth Marines. In July 2024, First Sergeant Cruz deployed with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit as the Weapons Company First Sergeant for the Battalion Landing Team. Upon return from deployment, First Sergeant Cruz executed orders to 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion as site support staff for Alpha and Headquarters and Service Company.
Personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with 2 Gold Stars), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (with 2 Gold Stars), Drill Instructor Ribbon, and the recipient of the CY2010 Jim Kallstrom Award for leadership.