Sergeant Major Michael P. Foley is a native of Saint Louis, Missouri. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on June 17, 2002, and reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego, CA, for recruit training. Upon completing training at MCRD, he reported to Camp Pendleton for Marine Combat Training. On February 17, he reported to Camp Johnson for training as a 3521 Motor Transport Automotive Technician.
In August of 2003, he reported to Okinawa, Japan, for duty with Combat Assault Battalion, where he performed his duties as a Motor Transport Automotive Technician. He deployed with the 31st MEU to the Asian Pacific.
In December 2004, Corporal Foley reported to 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines, for duties as a Motor Transport Automotive Technician. During this tour, he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Additionally, in October of 2005, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. In September of 2006, Sergeant Foley reported to the School of Infantry East, where he began his duties as a Marine Combat Instructor. In 2008, while serving as a combat instructor, he was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant.
In December 2010, Staff Sergeant Foley reported to 2nd Maintenance Battalion. While with Maintenance Battalion, Staff Sergeant Foley deployed with Combat Logistics Battalion 2 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. When Staff Sergeant Foley returned, he was assigned as the Maintenance Chief for 2nd Maintenance Battalion Motor Transport Maintenance Company.
In August 2011, Staff Sergeant Foley reported to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, where he performed his duties as the Motor Transport Maintenance Chief for the Motor Transport Operations Schoolhouse. In September of 2013, he was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant.
In June 2014, Gunnery Sergeant Foley reported to Truck Company, Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, where he performed his duties as Truck Company Motor Transport Maintenance Chief. In January 2016, Gunnery Sergeant Foley reported to 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines, where he served as the Motor Transport Chief until December 2017, when he was assigned as the Headquarters Company Gunnery Sergeant.
In 2018, he was promoted to the rank of First Sergeant and reported in June of the same year to 4th Law Enforcement Battalion, where he carried out his duties as the Headquarters Company Inspector Instructor First Sergeant. In 2020, he received orders to 2nd LAR, where he served as the Alpha Company First Sergeant and deployed in support of 3rd Battalion 6th Marines to Norway.
In December 2022, First Sergeant Foley was promoted to Sergeant Major and received orders to 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines, where he served as the Sergeant Major for the "Ready Battalion " before executing orders to 3d Battalion, 23rd Marines, where he serves today.
Sergeant Major Foley's personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with Gold star in lieu of second award, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with 4 gold stars in lieu of 5th award, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with 3 Gold Stars in lieu of 4th award, and a Combat Action Ribbon.