Sergeant Major Gustavo M. Hernandez was born in Puebla, Mexico on 12 October 1987. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in August of 2005 and attended recruit training at MCRD Parris Island, SC. Upon completion of recruit training, he was meritoriously promoted to Private First Class. He attended Marine Combat Training School in Camp Geiger, NC and upon completion he was meritoriously promoted to Lance Corporal. LCpl Hernandez was assigned for follow-on training at Marine Corps Engineer School, Utilities Instruction Company in Courthouse Bay, NC to become an Electrical Equipment Repairman Specialist.
In May 2006, LCpl Hernandez reported to Combat Logistics Company 36 (CLC-36) in Iwakuni Japan. In November 2006, he was promoted to Corporal and shortly after attached to Combat Logistics Battalion 4 (CLB-4) in Okinawa, Japan and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-08.2. In December 2007, he was promoted to Sergeant.
In April 2008, Sergeant Hernandez reported to 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion where he served as Maintenance Chief and Platoon Sergeant for Utilities Platoon. In late 2008, Sergeant Hernandez received orders to Drill Instructor School Class 3-09 at MCRD PI, SC.
In March 2009, Sgt Hernandez reported to Drill Instructor School and graduated in June 2009; he was assigned to 1st Battalion, Charlie Company. From July 2009 to December 2012, he successfully served as a Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, Chief Drill Instructor, and Chief Martial Arts Instructor. In July 2012, he was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant.
In January 2013, SSgt Hernandez reported to Combat Logistics Regiment-2 (CLR-2) Camp Lejeune NC, where he was assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 6 (CLB-6). In July of 2013, he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 13.2 and served as Utilities Platoon Maintenance Chief and Regimental Chief Martial Arts Instructor.
In January 2014, SSgt Hernandez reported to 8th Engineer Support Battalion, Engineer Support Company. From January 2014 to April 2015, he served as Section Operations Chief and Platoon Sergeant. From June 2015 to October 2015, he deployed with SPMAGTF-Southern Command and served as a Foreign Security Force Advisor in La Union, El Salvador.
In August of 2016, he was attached to CLB-8 and deployed with SPMAGTF-CR-AF 17.1 from January 2017 to July 2017 where he served as Detachment Operations Chief. He was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant November 1, 2016.
In October 2018, GySgt Hernandez reported to 3d Maintenance Battalion, CLR-35, 3D MLG in Okinawa Japan. GySgt Hernandez served as the Company First Sergeant for General Support Maintenance Company. In March 2020, he was frocked to First Sergeant and served as Company First Sergeant, Company B, 7th Communication Battalion, III MIG, III MEF.
In July 2021, 1stSgt Hernandez reported to 3d Marine Raider Battalion where he deployed with Marine Special Operations Company-M in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. 1stSgt Hernandez was frocked to Sergeant Major April 29, 2024.
In May 2024, SgtMaj Hernandez reported to Marine Wing Communications Squadron - 18 where he currently serves as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader.
SgtMaj Hernandez is married to Stevie Hernandez; Daughters Angelita and Bella Hernandez.
SgtMaj Hernandez's awards include; Navy Commendation Medal (5th award; one w/ C device), Navy Achievement Medal (4th award).
SgtMaj Hernandez earned a bachelor's degree in organizational leadership through the University of Charleston-WV in December of 2022. SgtMaj Hernandez is actively pursuing a master's degree in International Relations & Affairs through New England College.