First Sergeant Randy L. Banks, a native of Rock Island, Illinois, assumed his current post as the Company First Sergeant for Fox Company, Fourth Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, on September 2, 2023. This significant promotion is a testament to his dedication and the trust placed in him by the Marine Corps. He began his journey by attending recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, in February of 2002.
Upon completing Marine Combat Training on June 25, 2002, at Camp Lejeune, he reported to Motor Transportation Instruction Company, Marine Corps Detachment Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, where he was promoted to Private First Class. Once he completed the Motor Vehicle Operator Course, he was transferred to Direct Support Motor Transportation Company Alpha, 6th Motor Transportation Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group, Orlando, Florida.
In January 2003, Private First Class Banks deployed to Iraq to support Operation Enduring Freedom. In February, he was promoted to Lance Corporal. During his deployment, he played a crucial role in the successful geographical placement of Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacements throughout the region. This strategic operation, a testament to Lance Corporal Banks' skills and dedication, significantly contributed to the mission's success. He also conducted countless Tactical Vehicle Convoys that assisted in troop movements, mail runs to different Forward Operating Bases, and food and gear displacements.
In April 2007, Lance Corporal Banks was promoted to Corporal and then deployed to Iraq in June 2007 to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. Corporal Banks returned from deployment in July 2008. In October 2008, he attended the Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor Course, which aims to strengthen the mental and moral resiliency of individual Marines through realistic combative training, warrior ethos studies, and physical hardening. Corporal Banks graduated in November 2008 as a Black Belt Instructor.
In July 2009, Corporal Banks was promoted to Sergeant. In April 2012, Sergeant Banks Deployed to Agadir, Morocco, as a platoon sergeant to support the 2012 African Lion Exercise, which aimed to strengthen interoperability among participants and build readiness to respond to crises and contingencies in Africa and around the world.
In May 2014, Sergeant Banks was promoted to Staff Sergeant. In October 2014, Staff Sergeant Banks reported to Marine Corps Forces Central Command (MARCENT) MacDill Air Force Base Tampa, Florida. There, he assumed the roles of Administrative Chief, Substance Abuse Control Officer, and Limited Duty Coordinator with Headquarters Company. His responsibilities included providing administrative support for MARCENT individual augments and all Marine Corps personnel stationed aboard MacDill Air Force Base, conducting urinalysis screenings, advising the Commander on all substance abuse matters, and overseeing all administrative functions for Headquarters Company. In 2016, Staff Sergeant Banks Assumed the billet of Company Gunnery Sergeant, where he reviewed the internal controls and procedures to ensure administrative compliance, authorized the obligation of funds for Marines to support temporary duty and additional duty travel for mission requirements, and acted as the principal enlisted assistant to the Company Commander.
In September 2018, Staff Sergeant Banks reported to Motor Transport Company Combat Logistics Battalion 451, Orlando, Florida, where he assumed the role of Platoon Sergeant for Headquarters Platoon. In August 2019, Staff Sergeant Banks was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant and assumed the role of Company Training Chief. Due to his success as Company Training Chief and his impact on the Marines of Motor Transport Company, Gunnery Sergeant Banks was appointed as the Company Gunnery Sergeant in October 2020. In May 2023, Gunnery Sergeant Banks assumed the acting Company First Sergeant role until a First Sergeant arrived at Motor Transport Company. During that time, Gunnery Sergeant Banks informed the Company Commander of everything happening within the company, identified problems and provided solutions. Gunnery Sergeant Banks ensured the company remained administratively ready in all things. As the senior enlisted advisor, he guided, mentored, and advised the Company Commander on all administrative and personnel matters.
Gunnery Sergeant Banks was frocked to First Sergeant in August 2023.
First Sergeant Banks graduated from Remington College with his Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice in 2007. He completed his Accounting Applications Certification from Saint Petersburg College in 2014 and became an American Council on Exercise Personal Trainer in 2022.
First Sergeant Banks's awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, two Certificates of Commendation, and a Certificate of Appreciation.