Sergeant Major John D. Dober was born in 1968 in Athens, Georgia. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in August 1999. Upon completion of recruit training at Parris Island, SC he was meritoriously promoted to Private First Class. He attended the School of Infantry at Camp Geiger, NC and received the MOS of 0311 Rifleman.
In May, 2000 PFC Dober reported to 2d Battalion 2d Marines, Camp Lejeune, NC for duty with 2d Platoon, Echo Company. He was meritoriously promoted to Lance Corporal while deployed with Battalion Landing Team 2/2, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable).
Lance Corporal Dober was promoted to Corporal in August 2001. Corporal Dober attended Infantry Squad Leaders Course in February 2002.
Corporal Dober deployed with Battalion Landing Team 2/2, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) in August 2002. While underway, Corporal Dober attended Corporal’s Course where he was the Honor Graduate. Upon completion of Operation Dynamic Response (Kosovo) and Operation Desert Sentry, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (Djibouti) Corporal Dober was promoted to Sergeant in February 2003. Sergeant Dober then conducted combat operations during Operation Iraqi Freedom I.
In January, 2004 Sergeant Dober attended Basic Recruiters Course in San Diego, CA. He was subsequently assigned to Recruiting Station Albany, NY where he earned Recruiter of the Year in 2005, and again in 2006. He was meritoriously promoted to Staff Sergeant in January 2006.
In April, 2007 Staff Sergeant Dober was assigned to 2d Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion. He deployed for combat operations in Operation Iraqi Freedom 08-1. In 2009 he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom-Operation Khanjar as part of Task Force Leatherneck, 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade. While deployed he was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant.
From 2010 to 2013 Gunnery Sergeant Dober served as the Chief Instructor of the Advanced Assaultman Course/Advanced Anti-Tank Missileman Course, Advanced Infantry Training Battalion, School of Infantry-East.
In May, 2013 First Sergeant Dober was assigned as the Headquarters Company First Sergeant at Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School.
In July 2014 First Sergeant Dober was selected to serve as the Alpha Company First Sergeant for the Ground Combat Element-Integrated Task Force.
In July 2015 First Sergeant Dober was assigned as the Alpha Battery 1stSgt for 2d Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, MACG-28, 2d MAW, and subsequently assigned as the H&S 1stSgt at 2d Radio Battalion, II MEF Information Group.
Sergeant Major Dober currently serves as the Sergeant Major of Recruiting Station Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Sergeant Major Dober’s personal awards include the Combat Action Ribbon, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal x5, and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal x4 with combat “V”.