7th Communication Battalion

7th Communication Battalion Sergeant Major

Michael S. Payne was born in Pocatello Idaho. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on 09 September 1991, and attended Recruit Training in San Diego, California. He was then transferred to Twentynine Palms, California for duty with Alpha Company, 3d Tank Battalion as an M1A1 armor crewman.

In 1999 Corporal Payne attended the Marine Corps Cannon Crewman Course, Fort Sill Oklahoma. Upon graduation assigned to India Battery, 3d Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. While serving with Kilo Battery, 3d Battalion, 10th Marines, Sergeant Payne deployed with the 26th MEU to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. While assigned to 10th Marine Regiment, Sergeant Payne graduated from Marine Combat Instructor of Water Survival Course and Green Belt Martial Arts Instructor Course.

In 2003 Staff Sergeant Payne attended Marine Security Guard Detachment Commanders Course, Quantico, Virginia. He was subsequently assigned as the Detachment Commander, Rangoon, Burma. In December 2004, Staff Sergeant Payne was selected for meritorious promotion to Gunnery Sergeant. He was then assigned as the Detachment Commander Monrovia, Liberia and as activation Detachment Commander, Marine Security Guard Detachment Nouakchott, Mauritania.

In October 2006 Gunnery Sergeant Payne was transferred to Camp Lejeune where he served as the Battery Gunnery Sergeant, Tango Battery, 5th Battalion, 10th Marines. While assigned to Tango Battery, Gunnery Sergeant Payne deployed to the Al Anbar Province, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In July 2008 First Sergeant Payne was transferred to Weapons Company, 2d Battalion, 8th Marines for duty as Weapons Company First Sergeant. In May 2009 First Sergeant Payne deployed to the Helmand Province, Afghanistan and participated in Operation Khanjari in support of International Security Assistance Forces Afghanistan.

First Sergeant Payne transferred to Frankfurt Germany to serve as the First Sergeant, Region 8, Marine Corps Embassy Security Group from 2010-2014.   

Upon completion of his tour in Frankfurt, Sergeant Major Payne was assigned to 7th Communication Battalion as the Battalion Sergeant Major.

His personal awards and decorations include: Meritorious Service Medal with gold star, Navy Commendation Medal with gold star, Navy Achievement Medal with gold star, Combat Action ribbon with gold star, and several unit and service awards.