Biography

Master Gunnery Sergeant Ryan Duarte, a native of Baltimore, MD, enlisted in February 2005 after graduating from Western School of Technology and Environmental Science. After graduating from Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in June 2005, he proceeded to Marine Combat Training aboard Camp Geiger, MCAS New River, NC.

After completing combat training, Pvt Duarte attended the Data Network Specialist Course at Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School in 29 Palms, CA earning the 0651 MOS. Pvt Duarte was promoted to the rank of Private First Class on 1 September 2005. Upon graduation in October 2005, PFC Duarte executed orders to MCB Camp Lejeune, NC and checked in to 1st Battalion, 9th Marines.

PFC Duarte served as a Data Network Specialist from October 2005 to December 2005 until he was sent TAD to 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion. PFC Duarte would then deploy to Fallujah, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from February 2006 to October 2006. PFC Duarte was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal on 1 May 2006. Upon returning from his deployment, LCpl Duarte would return to 1st Battalion, 9th Marines in December 2006.

As the senior Marine in the Data shop, LCpl Duarte would assume the duties of Data Chief. LCpl Duarte was promoted to the rank of Corporal on 1 March 2007. After a year-long work up, Cpl Duarte deployed to Ramadi, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from February 2008 to October 2008. Cpl Duarte was promoted to the rank of Sergeant on 1 May 2008. Upon returning from his deployment, Sgt Duarte executed orders to Marine Corps Combat Service Support Schools Base S6, Camp Johnson, Camp Lejeune, NC in January 2009.

Sgt Duarte served as Data Network Specialist and Platoon Sergeant from January 2009 to January 2012. After being selected for recruiting duty from the HRST list, Sgt Duarte would attend Basic Recruiters Course from January to March 2012. Upon graduation, Sgt Duarte was assigned as a Basic Recruiter at RSS Bowie, RS Baltimore, MD. Sgt Duarte was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant on 1 August 2012. In November 2012, SSgt Duarte transitioned from canvassing recruiter to MEPS liaison to assist the senior MEPS liaison is processing and shipping Marine Corps applicants.  Upon successful completion of his recruiting duty assignment, SSgt Duarte executed orders to Camp Smith, HI and checked in to Marine Forces Pacific.

From April 2015 to July 2016, SSgt Duarte served as the MARFORPAC G6 Data Chief. SSgt Duarte was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant on 1 December 2016. Upon returning from the Data Chief’s Course in December 2016, GySgt Duarte was selected to be the next MARFORPAC SSEC Communications Chief. GySgt Duarte supported LtGen Berger and his staff until August 2018. GySgt Duarte then completed a PCA to MCBH Kaneohe Bay, HI and checked in to 3rd Marine Regiment.

GySgt Duarte was the Operations Chief during his time at the Regiment, performing duties as lead planner for Mountain Exercise 2-20 and ITX/ MWX 1-20. GySgt Duarte was promoted, frocked, to the rank of Master Sergeant in January 2021 and departed HI for MCB Camp Lejeune, NC where he checked in to 8th Communication Battalion.

MSgt Duarte was assigned to Bravo Company, 8th Communication Battalion as the Communications Chief. After returning from Communications Chief Course in November 2021, Master Sergeant Duarte completed a PCA from 8th Communication Battalion to II MEF II MIG to serve as the Communications Chief. He held this billet from December 2021 until October 2023 when he executed orders to MCBH Kaneohe Bay, HI and checked in to 3d Littoral Logistics Battalion. In July 2025, MSgt Duarte completed a PCA to Communication Company, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment where he served as the Communications Chief. MSgt Duarte was promoted to the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant on 1 June 2026 and departed HI for MCB Camp Lejeune, NC where he checked in to 2nd Network Battalion where he presently serves.

Master Gunnery Sergeant Duarte holds an Associate’s Degree in Information Technology from Kaplan University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Liberty University. His personal awards include a Meritorious Service Medal, (3) Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and (2) Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.