Sergeant Major Ralph J. Vaught Sergeant Major 12th Marine Regiment

SgtMaj Vaught enlisted in the Marine Corps during April 1979.  In September 1979, he attended Recruit Training with 2d Recruit Training Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S. C.  Upon completion of recruit training, SgtMaj Vaught attended the Field Radio Operators Course in 29 Palms California.  During April 1980, he was to reassigned to Headquarters Battery, Third Battalion, Tenth Marines at Camp Lejeune, N. C.  In July 1980, he was reassigned to India Battery as a Radio Operator and Radio Chief.  During September 1982, he was transferred to Mike Battery, where he served as Communications Chief. 

     In March of 1983, SgtMaj Vaught reported to Drill Instructor School at MCRD, Parris Island, S. C.  After completion of Drill Instructor School, he was assigned to “D” Company, 2d Recruit Training Battalion as a Drill Instructor and Senior Drill Instructor.  

     During October 1985, SgtMaj Vaught was assigned to Headquarters & Service Company, 2d Landing Support Battalion, 2d Force Service Support Group, Camp Lejeune N. C. as the Communications Platoon’s Radio Chief and Platoon Sergeant. 

     In September 1986, he reported to Headquarters & Service Company, 3d Recon Battalion, 3d Marine Division, Okinawa, Japan, as the Radio Chief and Platoon Sergeant for the Communications Platoon.

     During November 1987, SgtMaj Vaught was reassigned to “Bravo” Company, 8th Communications Battalion, 2d Force Service Support Group, Camp Lejeune North Carolina, as the Radio Chief and Platoon Sergeant for the Radio Platoon. 

     In July 1990, SgtMaj Vaught returned to Drill Instructor School at MCRD, Parris Island S. C. where he completed DI School and was assigned to “Alpha” Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, as a Series Gunnery Sergeant. During October 1991, SgtMaj Vaught was reassigned to the Recruit Training Regiment S-3, where he served as Regimental Drill Master. 

     During September 1996, SgtMaj Vaught transferred to H & S Company, Headquarters Battalion, 3d Marine Division, Okinawa, Japan. He was assigned to the G-6 shop as a Logistic Readiness Inspector for the Commanding General.  In May 1994, SgtMaj Vaught was reassigned to H & S Company, 3d Combat Engineer Battalion, as the Company First Sergeant.  After the deactivation of the Battalion, in May 1995, he was assigned to Headquarters Battery, 12th Marine Regiment. 

     In September 1996, SgtMaj Vaught was reassigned to Inspector and Instructor Staff, Fourth Supply Battalion, Fourth Force Service Support Group, Marine Forces Reserve, Albany, Georgia, as the First Sergeant. 

     During November 1997, SgtMaj Vaught was transferred to Marine Aerial Refeuler Squadron 252, where he was assigned as Squadron Sergeant Major, until his reassignment to Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron-2, in September 1998. 

     In November of 1998, Sergeant Major Vaught was reassigned to Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 28 until he departed in April 2001.   

     Sergeant Major Vaught reported to Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron during May 2001.  On 29 Apr 2002 Sergeant Major Vaught was reassigned to 12^th Marines Regiment as the Sergeant Major. 

     Sergeant Major Vaught’s personal decorations include:  the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, Army Commendation Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.