Sergeant Major Koblin L. Hayes is a native of Chicago, Illinois. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on 10 October 2000, where he attended recruit training at MCRD San Diego, California. Upon graduation, Private Hayes attended Marine Combat Training, School of Infantry-West in Camp Pendleton, California. Upon graduating, Private Hayes attended Supply School in Camp Johnson, North Carolina where he earned the Military Occupational Specialty of 3051 (Inventory Management Specialist) and subsequently was assigned to 2nd Marine Aircraft Group-26, Headquarters Squadron-26, Ground Supply. While assigned he deployed to Spain in support of Dynamic Mix 2002 and meritoriously promoted to the rank of Corporal.
In May 2003, Corporal Hayes attended Advanced Infantry Training Company, School of Infantry-East, Camp Geiger, North Carolina where he graduated from the Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor Course. In September 2003, Corporal Hayes was assigned to 3rd Material Readiness Battalion, 3rd Force Service Support Group, Okinawa Japan. While assigned, Corporal Hayes deployed to Thailand in support of Cobra Gold 2004 and attached to Combat Logistics Battalion 70, 3rd Force Service Support Group, Marine Forces Pacific where he served as Warehouseman and Guide for Company C.
In October 2004, Corporal Hayes received orders to Alpha Company, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. While assigned he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and assumed the billet of Warehouse Chief. In May 2005, Sergeant Hayes was reassigned to 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Force Service Support Group, where he held the billets of Platoon Sergeant and Warehouse Chief.
In June 2006, Sergeant Hayes reported to Basic Recruiters School. Upon graduation, he reported to Recruiting Sub-Station North Center, Recruiting Station Chicago, 9th Maine Corps District, where he held the billet as Production Recruiter and Assistant Staff Non-Commissioned Officer in charge. While assigned, he was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant.
In September 2009, Staff Sergeant Hayes reported to Supply Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, where he served as Warehouse Chief for Initial Issue Provisioning Platoon in Okinawa, Japan. In Oct 2011, he returned to Recruiting Station Chicago assuming the billet as Staff Non-Commissioned Officer in charge. After successfully managing a highly successful recruiting sub-station, he later assumed the billet as the Programs specialist, directly assisting the Recruiting Station Sergeant Major in daily operations.
In July 2014, Staff Sergeant Hayes reported to Combat Logistics Battalion 5, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group. While assigned Staff Sergeant Hayes was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant and assumed the billet as Headquarters and Services Company First Sergeant. In April 2016, he deployed to Kuwait in Support of Operation Inherent Resolve 16.2.
In April 2018, Gunnery Sergeant Hayes was promoted to the rank of First Sergeant and executed orders to 5th Bn, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division and deployed with Battery S and later served as Headquarters Battery First Sergeant.
In January 2020, First Hayes received orders to Marine Combat Training Battalion, School of Infantry-East serving as the First Sergeant for Company I and later assumed the billet as the Senior Enlisted Leader for Combat Instructor School.
In June 2022, First Sergeant Hayes was promoted to the rank of Sergeant Major and executed orders to Combat Logistics Battalion 451, Combat Logistics Regiment 45, 4th Marine Logistics Group serving as the Battalion Sergeant Major.
Sergeant Major Hayes’ personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with 2 gold stars, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with 1 gold star.