Sergeant Major Hayes enlisted into the Marine Corps and reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego in August 2003. He then reported to the School of Infantry-West for Marine Combat Training. In January 2004, he reported to Aberdeen Proving Grounds and subsequently graduated as a towed artillery systems technician.
Sergeant Major Hayes reported to 1st Battalion, 10th Marines at Camp Lejeune in February 2004 where he served as an artillery mechanic. In December 2004 he received orders to temporarily assume duties as an armory custodian at 8th Marine Regiment, during which time he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from March 2005 to February 2006. In March 2006 Sergeant Major Hayes returned to 1st Battalion, 10th Marines; during this tour he served as the artillery maintenance chief.
Sergeant Major Hayes performed a lateral move and reported back to Aberdeen Proving Grounds in January 2007 where he graduated as a small arms repairer. He returned to 1st Battalion, 10th Marines in March 2007 where he briefly served as an armorer before receiving orders. Sergeant Major Hayes then reported to Weapons & Field Training Battalion Parris Island in June 2007 where he served as a combat marksmanship coach and primary marksmanship instructor.
Sergeant Major Hayes reported to 2d Tank Battalion in August 2009 where he served as the armory chief. He then reported to 2d Battalion, 8th Marines in August 2010 during which time he served as the ordnance chief and deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from January to July 2011 and again from April to September 2013. Sergeant Major Hayes reported to Marine Corps Detachment, Fort Gregg-Adams in February 2014 to serve as a formal school instructor for small arms repairer.
Sergeant Major Hayes reported to Marine Raider Regiment in March 2017 to serve as the regimental armory chief. He then reported for duty with II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group to serve as the armory chief. He assumed the billet of Acting First Sergeant for II MEF Support Battalion in January 2020.
Sergeant Major Hayes reported to the College of Enlisted Military Education, Marine Corps University in July 2020 to serve as a curriculum developer. After being selected to the rank of first sergeant, he reported to Marine Barracks Washington in March 2021 where he served as the Company First Sergeant for Company B until March 2022, when he assumed the role of Company First Sergeant for H&S Company. Sergeant Major Hayes reported to Inspector-Instructor staff, Company E, 2d Battalion, 25th Marines in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in June 2023 to serve as the Unit Senior Enlisted Leader; shortly after, he was selected for the rank of sergeant major.
Sergeant Major Hayes assumed his current role as the Inspector-Instructor Command Senior Enlisted Leader for 4th Combat Engineer Battalion in July 2024.
Sergeant Major Hayes has a Bachelor's Degree in Security Management and a Master's Degree in National Security Studies.
Sergeant Major Hayes’ personal decorations include a Meritorious Service Medal, Navy/ Marine Corps Commendation Medal w/ 2 gold stars in lieu of third award, Navy/ Marine Corps Achievement Medal w/ 1 silver star in lieu of sixth award, and a Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.