Biography
Sergeant Major, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines
Sergeant Major Christian R. Appleman

    Christian Appleman enlisted in the Marine Corps in September 2005. He graduated recruit training with Lima Company, 3d Recruit Training Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. Upon completion entry level training he was assigned the military occupational specialty 2844, ground radio repairman. In June of 2006, he was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal and in July he reported to 6th Motor Transport Battalion, Red Bank, New Jersey, serving as a ground radio repairman.

    In April of 2007, Lance Corporal Appleman reported to 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Camp Pendleton, California and deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was promoted to Corporal in July of 2007. He deployed again to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and was combat meritoriously promoted to the rank of Sergeant in December, 2008. In April 2010, he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

    In April 2011, Sergeant Appleman reported to Drill Instructor School at Parris Island, South Carolina. Upon graduation, he reported to 3d Recruit Training Battalion for duty as a Drill Instructor with Lima Company, serving as a Drill Instructor, Experienced Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, Chief Drill Instructor, Battalion Operations Chief, and Headquarters Company First Sergeant. During his tour he was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant in October 2012, selected as the 2013 Drill Instructor of the Year for Parris Island, and meritoriously promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant in January 2014.

    In August 2014, Gunnery Sergeant Appleman checked into Marine Corps Communication Electronics School aboard MCAGCC 29 Palms, California for the Electronics Maintenance Technician Course and graduated in June 2015. Gunnery Sergeant Appleman reported to 2d Maintenance Battalion aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina in July 2015. During his tour he served as a Section Chief in Electronics Maintenance Company, Company First Sergeant for Engineer Maintenance Company, and Company First Sergeant for Headquarters and Service Company. He was promoted to the rank of First Sergeant in February 2017.

    In March 2017, First Sergeant Appleman reported to 2d Battalion 6th Marines, serving as a Rifle Company First Sergeant for 79th Company and deployed in February 2018 with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit to the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. In January 2019, First Sergeant Appleman reported to 8th Communication Battalion where he served as the Company First Sergeant for General Support Company, Company First Sergeant for Service Company, and Battalion Sergeant Major. He was promoted to his current rank in April 2022 and is currently serving as the Battalion Sergeant Major for 2d Battalion, 8th Marines: America's Battalion.

    Sergeant Major Appleman holds a Bachelors Degree in Military History and a Masters Degree in Management from Troy University. His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with 2 gold stars in lieu of third award, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with 2 gold stars in lieu of third award, and the Combat Action Ribbon.