Joseph Long is a native of Goldsboro, North Carolina, enlisted into the Marine Corps April 2005. Private First Class Long completed recruit training at MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina August 2005. Upon graduation from boot camp, he reported to SOI-East, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina for MCT. In September 2005 he reported to Fort Lee Virgina and underwent MOS training as a Food Service Specialist MOS 3381.
In November 2005, Lance Corporal Long reported to Company B-, 4th Amphibious Battalion, 4th Marine Division NAS Jacksonville Florida, where he served as Field Cook. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from October 2006 to July 2007. In September 2007 he went full active duty, at which time he received orders to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri to undergo MOS training as a Military Police. In November 2007 Lance Corporal Long graduated with the MOS designation of 5811 and reported to Security Battalion, MCB Pendleton. In September 2009, now Corporal Long served as a field training officer and base supervisor.
Sergeant Long performed a lateral move in In May of 2011 and reported to Naval Air Station Pensacola to undergo MOS training as an Aircraft Electrician. With the MOS designation of 6300 he returned to Security Battalion, MCB Pendleton pending follow on schooling. In April 2012 he reported Naval Air Station Lemoore, California to undergo MOS training as an F/A 18 Electrical Systems Technician, where he obtained the MOS of 6337. Sergeant Long reported to VMFA-242 Iwakuni Japan were he served as the SNCOIC for the Electrical and Communication/ Navigation shops.
Staff Sergeant Long reported to MATSG-23 Training Command in December of 2015 to serve as MOS 6300 schoolhouse instructor. In March of 2017 he served as the Aviation Electrician Strand Lead and Instructor Inspector for the command.
In October 2019 Staff Sergeant Long reported to MCRD San Diego to undergo training as Recruiter, with the designation of MOS 8411 he reported to RS Nashville, Tennessee where he served as a recruiter and later the Station Commander for RSS South Knoxville, Tennessee.
Gunnery Sergeant Long reported to NAS Pensacola In August of 2022 to serve with the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron the Blue Angels. He served as a Safe for Flight and the Squadron Gunnery Sergeant until May of 2024.
After being selected to the rank of First Sergeant, First Sergeant Long reported to Inspector-Instructor staff, Echo Company, 2d Battalion, 25th Marines in Harrisburg Pennsylvania to serve as the Unit Senior Enlisted Leader and currently serves in this position.
First Sergeant Long has an Associates Degree in Aeronautics and a Bachelor's Degree in Aeronautics
First Sergeant Longs’ personal decorations include; Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal w/ 1 gold stars in lieu of second award and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal w/ 2 gold stars in lieu of third award.