Inspector-Instructor Sergeant Major, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines
Sergeant Major Therester Cox
Sergeant Major Cox is a native of Meridian, MS. He attended and graduated from Kemper County High School in May 1992. Upon graduating, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and completed recruit training at Third Recruit Training Battalion, Parris Island, SC in October 1992. He attended Marine Combat Training at Camp Geiger, NC and the Basic Motor Transport Operators Course at Camp Johnson, NC. Upon graduating, he was assigned the Military Occupational Specialty of 3531, Motor Transport Operator.
In February 1993, Sergeant Major Cox reported to 2d Battalion, 12th Marines in Twenty-nine Palms, CA. He deployed with Battery “E” to Okinawa Japan under the Unit Deployment Program and was promoted to the rank of Corporal in June 1994. In December 1994, he was temporarily assigned to Headquarters Battalion, Twenty-nine Palms, CA under the Fleet Assistance Program as an Administrative Clerk at the Family Service Center. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in February 1996.
Sergeant Major Cox received orders to Motor Transportation Instruction Company, Marine Corps Detachment, Fort Leonard Wood, MO in April 1996. While there, he served as a Licensing NCO, Platform Instructor, and Class Commander. He was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant in April 1999.
In July 1999, Sergeant Major Cox reported to Parris Island, SC to attend Drill Instructor School. Upon completion, he was assigned to the Third Recruit Training Battalion. During his tour at Parris Island, he served as a Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor and Battalion Drill Master.
After completion of his tour at Parris Island, Sergeant Major Cox was transferred to 2nd Transportation Support Battalion, Camp Lejeune, NC. While assigned, he completed two deployments with Company B in support of OIF. Sergeant Major Cox was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant in April 2004.
In April 2005, Sergeant Major Cox received orders to MSSG-22 and deployed in support of OIF 04-06. After returning in 2006, he received orders to the Staff Noncommissioned Officer Academy for duty as an instructor. While assigned there, he served as a Faculty Advisor and Physical Training Instructor for the Advanced Course.
Sergeant Major Cox was promoted to the rank of First Sergeant in April 2008 and reported to Parris Island, SC where he served as the Company First Sergeant of Delta Company, First Recruit Training Battalion. In May 2010, he reported to Company A, 2nd Radio Battalion, Camp Lejeune, NC. During this tour, he deployed to Afghanistan in support of OEF 11.2 in July 2011. Upon returning, he served as the Battalion Sergeant Major until December 2012.
In January 2013, Sergeant Major Cox was promoted to his current rank and assumed the duties of the Battalion Sergeant Major at Marine Combat Training Battalion East where he served until April 2015. He assumed his current duties as the Inspector & Instructor Sergeant Major,
3rd Battalion, 25th Marines in May 2015.
His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold star in lieu of fourth award, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star in lieu of third award and the Combat Action Ribbon.