Sergeant Major Canty enlisted in the Marine Corps in September of 1983 and attended recruit training at Parris Island, SC. Upon graduation, he was meritoriously promoted to PFC and attended the Basic Cannoneer Course at Camp Lejuene, NC.

In January 1984, he reported to Camp Lejuene, NC, where he served with 4th Battalion, 10th Marines where he served as a cannoneer and section chief. He was meritoriously promoted to Corporal during this tour.

In August 1986, he reported to Okinawa, Japan for duty with 2nd Battalion, 12th Marines where he served as a section chief.

In August 1987, he reported to Quantica, Va for duty with the Artillery Training Unit, The Basic School. Where he served as a section chief and plt sergeant he was meritoriously promoted to Sergeant during this tour.

In January 1991, he reported to Drill Instructor School at MCRD, Parris Island. Upon graduation, he was assigned to Charlie Company, First Recruit Training Battalion where he served as a Drill Instructor.

In May 1993, he reported to Marine Barrack, Ground Security Forces, Guantanamo Bay Cuba. Where he served as the barrack Training Chief, Artillery Gunner, and Designated Marksman. He was promoted to Staff Sergeant during this tour.

In July 1994, he reported to Camp Pendleton, Ca, where he served with 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines where he assumed the duties of a Section Chief, Platoon Sergeant and Battery Gunnery Sergeant. His gun section won the 11th Marines Top Gun competition and he starred in a Marine Corps recruiting video Life in The Corps.

In March 1997, he reported to Recruiting School. Upon graduation he was assigned to Recruiting Sub Station, Augusta, Ga. Where he served as a recruiter, he was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant during this tour.

In June 2000, he reported to Camp Lejuene, NC, where he served with 2nd Battalion, 10th Marines where he assumed the duties of Battery Gunnery Sergeant. His Battery won the 10th Marines rolling thunder competition as best Battery in the Regiment. The Battery had the highest Marine Corps Combat Readiness Exercise Score within the Regiment and the only Battery to fire all rounds safe during a Double Combined Arms Exercise in 15 years. He was promoted to First Sergeant while deployed with the 24th MEU in Iraq.

In March 2003, First Sergeant Canty reported to Head Quarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division. Where he served with Communication and Head Quarters Companies, he was also acting Sergeant Major during this tour.

In April 2006, he reported to the School of Infantry East, where he served with Marine Combat Training Battalion and Head Quarters & Service Battalion he was promoted to Sergeant Major during this tour.

In January 2008, Sergeant Major Canty was assigned as the 6th Communication Battalion, 4th Marine Logistic Group, Inspector-Instructor Sergeant Major.

In February 2011, Sergeant Major Canty was assigned to MALS-14, MAG-14, 2nd Marine Air Wing, Sergeant Major.

In December 2011, Sergeant Major Canty was assigned to MAG-31, 2nd Marine Air Wing, Sergeant Major.

Sergeant Major Cantys major deployment operations include Able Manner, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Task Force Wild Fire, Wenatchee, Wa, Dynamic Response, Kosovo, Operation Southern Watch, 24th MEU, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom 4-6.

Sergeant Major Cantys personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal w/2 gold stars in lieu of third award, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Presidential Unit Citation.