Carlton W. Kent | |
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Kent in January 2007
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Born |
Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
November 5, 1957
Allegiance | United States of America |
Service/branch | United States Marine Corps |
Years of service | 1976–2011 |
Rank | Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps |
Unit | United States Marine Corps |
Awards |
Navy Distinguished Service Medal Legion of Merit with gold award star Bronze Star |
Carlton Wayne Kent (born November 5, 1957) is a retired United States Marine who served as the 16th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, assuming the post on April 25, 2007, until June 9, 2011. He succeeded John L. Estrada, who had been serving in that capacity since June 2003. He was succeeded by Micheal Barrett on June 9, 2011.
Kent was born in Memphis, Tennessee on November 5, 1957. He graduated from the South Side High School in Memphis.
Kent completed recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, in March 1976 and was assigned to the 1st Marine Brigade.
In May 1978, Kent was transferred to Marine Security Guard Battalion where he served as a Marine Security Guard at Embassies in Kinshasa, Zaire and Panama.
In June 1981, Kent transferred to Fort Benning for Airborne School and Parachute Riggers School at Fort Lee, Virginia. In June 1982, he was assigned as 2nd Air Delivery Platoon Commander, and parachute rigger billets in various commands at Camp Lejeune.
In February 1983, Kent was transferred to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, for duty as a drill instructor, senior drill instructor, and battalion drill master with First Battalion. In January 1985, Kent was meritoriously promoted to Gunnery Sergeant.