James L. Robertson is a native of Lexington, Kentucky. He reported to MCRD Parris Island in June 1996; after graduating recruit training, Sergeant Major Robertson reported to The School of Infantry, Camp Geiger, North Carolina and was assigned the 0352, Antitank Assault Guided Missile man, MOS.
In December of 1996, he received orders and reported to 8th Marine Regiment, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. While assigned to 8th Marine Regiment, he participated in Combined Arms Exercise at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in 29 Palms California, participated in Type Commanders Amphibious Training exercise, and completed cold weather training at the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport California.
In March of 1998, he was assigned to Weapons Company, 3d Battalion, 8th Marines Combined Anti-Armor Platoon. During this tour, he deployed as a member of the Battalion Landing Team assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. He participated in operations Allied Force, Joint Guardian, Shining Hope, and Avid Response. He served in a number of billets and was a member of the Battalion Fire Support Team.
He was then ordered to duty with 2d Battalion, 23d Marines, Company E, Inspector Instructor Staff, San Bruno California in November of 2000. Shortly after his arrival, he was transferred to Camp Pendleton in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). The Battalion was attached to First Marine Expeditionary Force as part of Regimental Combat Team I and deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). He served as the A-T MAN and held the billets of Company Police Sergeant, Rifle Platoon Squad Leader, Armory NCOIC, Communications NCOIC, and Motor T NCOIC.
In October 2003, he received orders to 3d Battalion, 2d Marines Camp Lejeune North Carolina. During this tour, he deployed to U.S. Naval Base Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in support of OEF and to Iraq in support of OIF. He served in the billets of Rifle Platoon Sergeant, Mobile Assault Platoon Sergeant/Commander, Company Gunnery Sergeant, and Company First Sergeant.
In July of 2006 he executed orders to Drill Instructor School, MCRD San Diego. Upon completion of DI School, he was assigned to 2d Recruit Training Battalion Company E. During this tour, he completed ten training cycles with Company E and G serving as a Green Belt Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, and Chief Drill Instructor.
Sergeant Major Robertson was then ordered to 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, Camp Lejeune North Carolina in August of 2009. He was assigned as the Company First Sergeant, Company A where he deployed to Afghanistan in support of OEF. Upon Return from deployment, he was reassigned to Weapons Company where he completed another deployment to Afghanistan.
In October 2012, he received orders to MARSOC and was assigned as the Company 1stSgt, Headquarters Company, 3d Marine Raider Support Battalion. Upon selection to his current rank, he received orders in October of 2015 to report and post as the Squadron Sergeant Major of Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron 302.
Sergeant Major Robertson was then transferred to Camp Pendleton California in November 2017 where he was assigned as the Sergeant Major of Combat Logistics Battalion 1. During this tour, he completed a deployment to Australia with the Battalion in support of Marine Rotational Force Darwin. He later received orders and reported to MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina in November 2019 where he served as the Installation Sergeant Major until June of 2023. In June of 2023, he reported for duty and is currently serving as the Inspector Instructor Sergeant Major, Combat Logistics Regiment 4, in Kansas City Missouri.
Sergeant Major Robertson holds a Bachelor's Degree in Emergency and Disaster Management from the American Military University and his personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with 3 gold stars, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with V and 1 gold star, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with 3 gold stars, Combat Action Ribbon with 2 gold stars, and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.