Sergeant Major Roberto C. Portell was born in Cuba. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, in July 2002. Following recruit training, Private First Class Portell attended the School of Infantry, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where he earned the 0311 Military Occupational Specialty. In February 2003, he reported to 2d Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion and deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In June 2003, Private First Class Portell was promoted to Lance Corporal. While assigned to 2d Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, he deployed again in September 2004 to Camp Fallujah in support of Operation Phantom Fury. He was promoted to Corporal in April 2004. Corporal Portell separated from active duty in July 2006 and was recalled to service in February 2007.
In January 2008, Corporal Portell reenlisted in the Marine Corps and was assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 274. He attended Engineer School, earning the 1141 Basic Electrician Military Occupational Specialty, and was meritoriously promoted to Sergeant in February 2009. In February 2010, Sergeant Portell deployed to Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, serving as the Utilities Chief for Camp Dwyer.
Upon returning from Afghanistan, Sergeant Portell attended Drill Instructor School at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, graduating in March 2011. He served as a Drill Instructor and Senior Drill Instructor with Hotel Company, 2d Recruit Training Battalion, completing a successful tour in April 2014.
In April 2014, Sergeant Portell received orders to 7th Engineer Support Battalion and was promoted to Staff Sergeant in November 2014. In April 2015, he deployed to La Union, El Salvador as the Officer in Charge of a Mobile Training Team.
In April 2016, Staff Sergeant Portell received orders to Combat Logistics Battalion 1, where he deployed as the Utilities Chief and Company Gunnery Sergeant for Task Force Koa Moana 16-4. Upon return, he received orders to Marine Air Traffic Control Squadron 4, Camp Futenma, Okinawa, in July 2017.
In January 2018, Staff Sergeant Portell received orders to Combat Logistics Regiment 3, Camp Foster, Okinawa. Upon arrival, he received temporary additional duty orders to Combat Logistics Battalion 4, where he served as the Engineer Services Company Utilities Chief in support of Cobra Gold 2018 and Balikatan 2018. After completing his temporary additional duty, he was assigned as the Current Operations Chief for Combat Logistics Regiment 3 and was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant in October 2018.
In December 2018, Gunnery Sergeant Portell received orders to 9th Engineer Support Battalion. During this tour, he supported the Korean Marine Exchange Program 3-19 and served as the Electrical Section Staff Noncommissioned Officer in Charge. In December 2019, he received orders to Yale University Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps, where he served as the Assistant Marine Officer Instructor.
In March 2022, First Sergeant Portell reported to 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, serving as the Bravo Company and Headquarters & Service Company First Sergeant. In November 2023, he deployed with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. In January 2025, First Sergeant Portell received orders to 1st Marine Regiment, where he served as the Headquarters Company First Sergeant and deployed with Marine Rotational Force–Darwin 25.3 and was promoted to Sergeant Major.
In February 2026, Sergeant Major Portell received orders to Marine Air Control Squadron 4 where he currently serves as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader.
His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (fourth award), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (third award), Combat Action Ribbon. Sergeant Major Portell holds a Bachelor’s degree in Leadership and a Master of Business Administration.