Sergeant Major Nicholas Papple graduated from Whittemore-Prescott High School in Whittemore, Michigan in June of 2002. He enlisted in the delayed entry program in November of 2002 and went to boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego, California in December of 2002. He graduated as a Private First Class.
Following recruit training he reported for Marine Combat Training, Camp Pendleton, California and directly reported to Marine Corps Engineer Schools in Fort Leonardwood, Missouri. He received training and graduated as an Engineer Equipment Mechanic.
His first assignment was to 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, Engineer Support Company, Heavy Equipment Platoon in August of 2003. He deployed with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion on multiple occasions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He would achieve the ranks of Lance Corporal thru Sergeant and re-enlist during his tour with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion.
He was later assigned to 6th Engineer Support Battalion, Bridge Company Alpha in Battle Creek, Michigan in July of 2007. He participated in many annual training exercises to include Quantico Trails and Nome, Alaska road projects. He achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant during this assignment.
Sergeant Major Papple later reported to Combat Logistics Battalion 351, Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan in January of 2011. He would participate in multiple exercises to include Balikatan and Cobra Gold. He was then assigned to Marine Corps Base Japan, Bravo Company in March of 2013.
In March 2016, Sergeant Major Papple reported to Recruiting Station Detroit, Michigan for recruiting duty. He would fill the roles as a canvassing recruiter, Recruiting Sub-Station Commander and lastly an Officer Selection Team, Officer Selection Assistant. He achieved the rank of Gunnery Sergeant during this tour of duty.
He was assigned to Marine Wing Support Detachment 24, Marine Aircraft Group 24, Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay Hawaii in March 2019 and would serve as the MWSD-24 Senior Enlisted Advisor until August 2020.
Sergeant Major Papple currently serves as Company Unit Senior Enlisted Leader, Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team Battalion, Marine Corps Security Force Regiment, Yorktown, Virginia.
Sergeant Major Papple's decorations include the Purple Heart, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Gold Star in lieu of second award and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Gold Stars in lieu of third award.