Christapher M. Bess is a native of Hampton, GA. He enlisted in August 2005, attended recruit training with Company K, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, California.
In July 2006, Private First-Class Bess completed Tactical Data Network Operators training aboard 29 Palms, California. He received orders to 2nd Marine Logistics Group Communications Company for duty. Where he served in multiple billets within the Data Section including assistant server chief, MIMMS NCO and network chief.
Lance Corporal Bess transferred in November of 2006 to 2nd Maintenance Battalion – Re-enforced. He was attached to Forward Operating Base Sahl Sinjar and served as Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge for the communications detachment. While deployed to Al Taqaddum, Iraq, Corporal Bess reenlisted as a Data Network Specialist.
In July of 2007, Sergeant Bess was attached to 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Headquarters and Service Battalion, Military Police Company. There he filled various billets outside of his primary Military Occupational Specialty, to include training NCO.
Sergeant Bess then reported to Combat Logistics Regiment 27 as an individual augment in August 2008. He served as Maintenance Management Specialist, Help Desk NCO and Fiber Optic Technician. Upon returning to 2nd Marine Logistics Group, he completed his second deployment to Al Taqaddum, Iraq.
Sergeant Bess was then assigned to Headquarters and Service Battalion, Camp Smith, Hawaii. As the Network Operations Center Chief, he was instrumental in the restructuring and documentation of multiple Marine Corps Networks to include the Non-classified Internet Protocol Router Network, Secret Internet Protocol Router Network and numerous variations of the Combined Enterprise Regional Information Exchange System.
In April 2010, Sergeant Bess transferred to the Marine Forces Pacific Command Operations section, to act as Operations chief. While serving in this role he participated in Balikatan, Talisman Sabre, Ulchi Freedom Guardian and Cobra Gold. During his role as Operations Chief he attended multiple planning conferences in the Philippines, Guam, South Korea and Thailand.
In July 2012, Sergeant Bess transferred to 1st Recruit Training Battalion, Company Bravo aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California. While serving as Drill Instructor and Experienced Drill Instructor, Staff Sergeant Bess archived two additional Military Occupational Specialties to include Martial Arts Instructor and Marine Combat Instructor Trainer of Water Survival. While on Quota he served as Chief Instructor for the Recruit Training Swim Tank.
Staff Sergeant Bess was appointed as the Cyber Network Systems Chief of 1st Battalion, 1st Marines on 14 July 2015. While serving in this role Staff Sergeant Bess was deployed with 31st Military Expeditionary Unit to Okinawa, Japan. He served aboard the U.S.S. Green Bay in the role of Communications Chief, establishing Telephony, Data and Satellite services aboard the ship. He also served as the Chief Swim Instructor for 1st Marine Regiment Training Tank.
In August 2018, Gunnery Sergeant Bess transferred to 6th ANGLICO, Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington State. He served as the Company Gunnery Sergeant, Marine Corps Instructor of Water Survival and Communications Chief. He deployed in support of operation Bold Quest in Finland as well obtained Combat Parachutist qualification.
In August 2020, Gunnery Sergeant Bess assumed the Staff Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge position at Marine Corps Communication and Electronic School, Communication Training Battalion, Bravo Company. In January of 2021 he assumed the role of Company First Sergeant, Headquarters and Service Company, Marine Corps Communication Electronics School.
In January of 2022 First Sergeant Bess transferred to Third Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion. He served as the Senior Enlisted Leader for Blackfoot and Comanche Company in support of multiple Company, Battalion and Division level exercises.
In February of 2023 First Sergeant Bess assumed the billet of Senior Enlisted Leader for Third Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company.
First Sergeant Bess' personal awards consist of: Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal 2nd award, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal 4th award, and Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.