Jose L. Marquez joined the United States Marine Corps in 1997 and completed Infantry Rifleman (0311) training in Parris Island, South Carolina, and Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He attained the rank of Corporal and served as a ceremonial marcher and Fire Team Leader for the Silent Drill Platoon in Marine Barracks 8th & I, Washington D.C.
In 2000, Corporal Marquez transferred to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion 6th Marines 2nd Marine Division in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where he held various roles, including Fire Team Leader, Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, and Platoon Commander. He participated in the Unit Deployment Program and served in Okinawa, Japan. In 2002, he completed Drill Instructor School at MCRD San Diego, California, and served as a Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, and Water Survival Instructor in Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, and Support Battalion.
In 2005, Sergeant Marquez transferred to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, California, where he held various positions, including Platoon Guide, Mortar Section Leader, and Platoon Sergeant. He deployed twice with the Battalion to support "Operation Iraqi Freedom" in 2006 and 2007, once with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and another to Iraq.
In 2008, Staff Sergeant Marquez became a Combat Instructor at the School of Infantry in Camp Pendleton, California. He then served as a Combat Instructor, Platoon Sergeant, and Platoon Commander in Delta Company, Infantry Training Battalion, teaching basic infantry skills. In 2010, he instructed advanced infantry skills in the Infantry Unit Leaders Course as the Mortar, Fire Direction Center, and Fire Support Planning Instructor and Course Chief.
In 2012, Gunnery Sergeant Marquez became Company Gunnery Sergeant for Echo Company in the 2D Battalion 2D Marines, 2D Marine Division at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He served two deployments with the unit, functioning as the Crisis Response team for the Black Sea Rotational Force and participating in "Agile Spirit" in the Republic of Georgia and "Noble Shirley" in the State of Israel. He then redeployed as the SNCOIC for a Security Cooperation Team in Belize.
In 2014, GySgt Marquez became the Assistant Operations Chief of the G3 at Marine Corps Forces South (MARFORSOUTH) in Miami, Florida. He supported all Marine units and joint exercises within the U.S. Southern Command's (USSOUTHCOM) Area of Operations (AOR). He served as a member of the Marine Liaison Element for MARFORSOUTH, which assisted in reinforcement and evacuation planning for embassies within the USSOUTHCOM AOR.
From February 2016 to May 2020, First Sergeant Marquez held several roles. Firstly, he worked as the site support First Sergeant for the Inspector Instructor staff for Communications Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 45, 4th Marine Logistics Group in Greensboro, North Carolina. Then he moved to Camp Pendleton, California, to join the 1st Intelligence Battalion, where he served as the Company First Sergeant for Counter-Intelligence/Human Intelligence Company. Lastly, 1stSgt Marquez had a brief tour with the I Marine Expeditionary Force Support Battalion as the Headquarters First Sergeant.
In May 2020, Sergeant Major Marquez became the Battalion Sergeant Major for 3D Battalion 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division, located in Camp Pendleton, California. He fulfilled the role of Ground Combat Element for the SPMAGTF-CR-CC in October 2020. In December 2021, he was appointed the Sergeant Major for Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3. Sergeant Major Marquez assumed his current role as the Sergeant Major for the Headquarters Battalion for Marine Forces Command on November 17th, 2023.
Throughout his distinguished career, Sergeant Major Marquez has received numerous awards in recognition of his exceptional service, including the Meritorious Service Medal with one gold star, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with four gold stars, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with one gold star.