Sergeant Major Michael A. Collins was born and raised in Amite, LA. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in June of 1998 and underwent recruit training at Kilo Company, 3d Recruit Training Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, CA. He was meritorious promoted to Private First Class. Following recruit training, Sergeant Major Collins attended Marine Combat Training at Camp Pendleton, CA. He completed initial training at Metal Worker School, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland in April of 1999.

Throughout his career, Sergeant Major Collins has been assigned to numerous units to include: 2d Tank Battalion, Marine Wing Support Squadron 374, Recruiting Station Fort Lauderdale, Landing Support Company (Combat Logistics Regiment 27), Combat Logistics Battalion 8, Combat Logistics Battalion 26 (26th Marine Expeditionary Unit), 2d Maintenance Battalion, Manpower Records and Performance (HQMC), 12th Marine Regiment (3d Battalion and Regiment HQ Battery), 3d Intelligence Battalion, Recruiting Station Frederick, and Marine Corps Recruiters School.

Sergeant Major Collins has held many billets to include: Welding Shop NCOIC, Platoon Sergeant, Canvassing Recruiter, Recruiting Sub-station SNCOIC, Platoon Sergeant, Company Gunnery Sergeant, Platoon OIC, Maintenance Chief, Current Operations Chief, Battalion Operations Chief, Battery and Company First Sergeant, Battalion Sergeant Major, Recruiting Station Sergeant Major, and as the Senior Enlisted Leader at Marine Corps Recruiters School.

Sergeant Major Collins has deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II (2004), Operation Enduring Freedom (2009), Operation Odyssey Dawn (2011, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit).

Sergeant Major Collins is currently assigned as the Senior Enlisted Leader for 6th Marine Corps District.

His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, the Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal with silver star in lieu of sixth award and the Combat Action Ribbon.