First Sergeant Jose Montoya attended to recruit training in MCRD San Diego California and graduated as a Private First Class in October 2003. Following recruit training, Private First Class Montoya attended Marine Combat Training in Camp Pendleton California and graduated in November 2003. In November of 2003 Private First Class Montoya reported to Marine Corps Engineer School in Camp Lejeune North Carolina. In April 2004, Private First Class completed this school, earned the MOS of 1142 (Engineer Equipment Electrical Systems Technician) and was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal.
In April 2004, Lance Corporal Montoya reported to Headquarters Battery, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Regiment Marine Division in Ft. Worth TX. Lance Corporal Montoya was assigned to the Motor Transportation/Engineer Platoon and during this period served as a Fire Team Leader.
In June of 2006, Lance Corporal Montoya was mobilized and attached to 1st Battalion, 24th Marines. Lance Corporal Montoya served as a Motor Transportation Operator while being attached to Headquarters and Service Company. Lance Corporal Montoya deployed to Fallujah Iraq in September 2006, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In January 2007, Lance Corporal Montoya was promoted to Corporal and was attached to Company A and served a Motor Transportation Operator.
In July of 2007, Corporal Montoya rejoined Headquarters Battery, 14th Marine Regiment, and served as a Fire Team Leader and Squad Leader in the Motor Transportation/Engineer Platoon. In January 2009, Corporal Montoya was promoted to Sergeant and held the billet of SNCOIC for the Utilities Section. In April 2010, Sergeant Montoya earned his Green Belt Instructor Tab in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program and earned the Secondary MOS of 0916.
In April of 2012, Sergeant Montoya participated in Exercise African Lion, in Morocco, Africa. During these exercise, Sergeant Montoya served as the Utilities Chief for the Combat Operations Center for 14th Marine Regiment.
In December of 2012, Sergeant Montoya was promoted to Staff Sergeant and held the billet of Platoon Sergeant for the Motor Transportation Utilities Engineer Platoon. In April of 2013, Staff Sergeant Montoya participated in African Lion 2013, serving as the Utilities Chief for 14th Marine Regiment.
In November of 2016, Staff Sergeant Montoya was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant and held the billet of Utilities Chief for the 14th Marine Regiment. In September of 2017, Gunnery Sergeant Montoya participated in a Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force in support of Hurricane Harvey in Orange and Beaumont TX. In February of 2019, Gunnery Sergeant Montoya participated in Exercise Dynamic Front 2019, in Adazi, Latvia.
In June of 2020, Gunnery Sergeant was promoted to the rank of First Sergeant and subsequently reported to 1st Battalion 24th Marines, Rifle Company B as the Unit Senior Enlisted Leader (USEL) until June 2023. In June 2023, First Sergeant Montoya was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 14th Marines, Rocket Battery F and reported to this unit as the Unit Senior Enlisted Leader. In April 2025, First Sergeant Montoya reported to 2nd Battalion, 14th Marines, Headquarters Battery as the Unit Senior Enlisted Leader.
First Sergeant Montoya's personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold star in lieu of second award and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star in lieu of second award and the Combat Action Ribbon.