Sergeant Major Andrew Cordero is a native of Bronx, New York. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, on 6 June 2004. Upon completion of recruit training and Marine Combat Training, he attended the Administrative Specialist Course at Camp Johnson, North Carolina, where he earned the military occupational specialty of 0111, Administrative Specialist.
His first assignment was to Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., in December 2004, where he served as Platoon Sergeant for the Marine Corps Institute Student Services Division.
In January 2008, Sergeant Major Cordero reported to Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California. He served as the G-1 Plans Noncommissioned Officer in Charge and later deployed to Al Asad, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as the Adjutant Chief. In March 2010, he deployed to Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, where he served as the G-1 Noncommissioned Officer in Charge.
In April 2011, Sergeant Major Cordero graduated from Drill Instructor School, MCRD San Diego (Class 03-11), and was assigned to 3rd Battalion, Company L, and later Support Battalion, Instructional Training Company. There, he served as a Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, Martial Arts Instructor, and Martial Arts Section Staff Noncommissioned Officer in Charge.
In March 2014, he reported to Site Support New Haven, Connecticut, with Maintenance Services Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 25, 4th Marine Logistics Group, where he served as the Administration Chief.
In July 2016, Sergeant Major Cordero returned to the drill field, graduating from Drill Instructor School, MCRD Parris Island (Class 04-16). He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, where he served in multiple leadership billets including Senior Drill Instructor, Series Chief Drill Instructor, Operations Chief, and Company First Sergeant.
In August 2018, he reported to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, at MCAS Miramar. There, he served as the Squadron Administration Chief, Legal Chief, and Squadron Gunnery Sergeant.
In April 2021, Sergeant Major Cordero reported to the Security and Emergency Services Battalion, Camp Pendleton, CA, where he served as the Company First Sergeant for both Brig Company and Military Police Company.
In March 2023, he reported to Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, CA, where he served as the Headquarters Company First Sergeant and later deployed to Korea in support of Freedom Shield 24.
In July 2025, Sergeant Major Cordero assumed his current assignment as the Inspector-Instructor Command Senior Enlisted Leader for 2nd Battalion, 25th Marines.
Sergeant Major Cordero holds a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from American Military University.
Sergeant Major Cordero's personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with three gold stars, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with three gold stars.