Dennis M. Bradley entered the Marine Corps in September 1990 and completed recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California. After completing Marine Combat Training and the Armed Forces School of Music Basic Course, he was assigned the Military Occupational Specialty of 5548; Musician, Electric and String Bass.

In August 1991, Lance Corporal Bradley was ordered to the 2d Marine Aircraft Wing Band located at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, where he served through December 1995 in a variety of billets.

In January 1996, Sergeant Bradley received orders to Drill Instructor School at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina. Upon completion of Drill Instructor School, he was assigned to Company K, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion as a Drill Instructor and Senior Drill Instructor.

In August 1998, Staff Sergeant Bradley executed a lateral move to the Military Occupational Specialty of 0811, Field Artillery Cannoneer, and was assigned to Battery G, 2d Battalion, 10th Marines located at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where he served as a Howitzer Section Chief, Guns Platoon Sergeant, and Battery Gunnery Sergeant. During this time, Battery G deployed with Battalion Landing Team 2d Battalion, 6th Marines, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), from February to August 2000, and participated in Operation DYNAMIC RESPONSE/JOINT GUARDIAN in Kosovo.

In November 2002, Staff Sergeant Bradley was transferred to Headquarters Battery, 2d Battalion, 10th Marines for duties as the Battery Gunnery Sergeant. In April 2003, Staff Sergeant Bradley was transferred to Battery E, 2d Battalion, 10th Marines for duties as the Battery Gunnery Sergeant. During this time, Battery E deployed with Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) from April to December 2003 in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

In June 2004, Gunnery Sergeant Bradley received orders to the United States Naval Academy located in Annapolis, Maryland, where he served as the Assistant Marine Officer Instructor for 17th Company.

In May 2007, First Sergeant Bradley received orders to Anti-Terrorism Battalion, 2d Marine Division, located at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where he served until the Battalion’s deactivation in July of 2007. Immediately following Anti-Terrorism Battalion’s deactivation, 2d Battalion, 9th Marines would be reactivated and First Sergeant Bradley would assume the duties as the Company First Sergeant for Company E. From September 2008 to April 2009 he deployed in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM to Ar Ramadi, Iraq.

First Sergeant Bradley served as the First Sergeant, Weapons Company, 2d Battalion, 9th Marines, from June of 2009 to June of 2011. From July 2010 to February 2011 he deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM to Marjah, Afghanistan.

First Sergeant Bradley served as the First Sergeant, Headquarters & Service Company, 2d Battalion, 9th Marines from June to December of 2011.

Sergeant Major Bradley assumed his current duties as the Sergeant Major for Marine Attack Squadron 231, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina on 12 December 2011.

Sergeant Major Bradley’s personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4th award), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2nd award), and the Combat Action Ribbon. In 2001, he was inducted into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara, the Patron Saint of Artillerymen.