James Bryant enlisted in the Marine Corps from Bowling Green, Kentucky in 2007. He attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Paris Island, South Carolina in August 2007 and subsequently graduated in November of that same year. Upon graduation, Private Bryant completed follow on schools at Marine Combat Training and Automotive Maintenance Technician school.
Upon completion of military occupational specialty (MOS) school, Private First Class Bryant reported for duty with Combat Logistics Regiment 1 (CLR-1), Camp Pendleton in May 2008. In August 2008, Private First Class Bryant deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with Combat Logistics Battalion 5. While deployed, Lance Corporal (LCpl) Bryant was attached to Security Company and served as the security unit commanders heavy machine gunner.
After returning to CLR-1 from deployment in 2009, He was promoted to Corporal in April 2009 and assumed the responsibility as the Motor Transport Maintenance Shop Chief. In August of 2010, Corporal Bryant deployed with Combat Logistics Regiment 15 (CLR-15) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. While deployed, Corporal Bryant was assigned as the Motor Transport Quality Control NCO and senior line mechanic. Corporal Bryant was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in April of 2011. After returning to CLR-1, Sergeant Bryant received orders to Inspector Instructor (I&I) Duty in Knoxville Tennessee.
Sergeant Bryant checked in to Delta Company, 4th Combat Engineers Battalion to serve as the Motor Transport Maintenance Chief in April of 2012. Sergeant Bryant will go on to complete the next three years on I&I duty filling multiple billets such as Ground Safety Manager, Environmental Compliance Officer, and all other billets pertaining to Motor Transport.
In May of 2015, Sergeant Bryant executed orders to serve as the Maintenance Chief with Marine Corps Security Forces Company, in Guantanamo Bay Cuba. Sergeant Bryant was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant in November of 2015 and would go on to complete the remainder of his tour in Guantanamo Bay.
Staff Sergeant Bryant checked into 2D Maintenance Battalion in April of 2016 and assumed the responsibilities as aintenance Chief for the Power Trains Section in General Support Maintenance Company. In July of 2017, Staff Sergeant Bryant deployed with Combat Logistics Battalion 6 to support the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force detachment in Norway. In May of 2018, Staff Sergeant Bryant returned to 2D Maintenance Battalion and finished out the remainder of his tour.
In July 2018, Staff Sergeant Bryant checked into the School of Infantry East where he served as Squad Instructor, Instructor Group platform instructor, Platoon Commander, Equal Opportunity Representative and Company Gunnery Sergeant. On 1 November 2022, Staff Sergeant Bryant was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. Gunnery Sergeant Bryant completed a successful tour on Combat Instructor Duty.
In February 2022, Gunnery Sergeant Bryant would execute orders to Marine Air Control Squadron 24 to serve as Maintenance Chief and section Staff Non-commissioned Officer in Charge. In November 2023, Gunnery Sergeant Bryant was selected to the rank of First Sergeant.
First Sergeant Bryant currently serves as the Instructor Instructor Unit Senior Enlisted Leader. Gunnery Sergeant Bryant's personal awards include: Purple Heart Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Naval and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two Gold Stars, Good Conduct Medal with four Bronze Stars, Combat Action Ribbon, Arctic Service Ribbon and Marine Corps Combat Instructor Ribbon.