Sergeant Major George D. Caldwell was born in Beckley, West Virginia and enlisted in the Marine Corps in late 2004. Upon completion and graduation from 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina. Sergeant Major Caldwell reported to Infantry Training Battalion, Camp Geiger, North Carolina.
Upon completion and designation of Mortar man, Sergeant Major Caldwell reported to 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion. While serving in 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Sergeant Major Caldwell was deployed to Al Anbar Province, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
While serving in 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Sergeant Major Caldwell was deployed to Al Anbar Province, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During this tour he served as Scout Team Leader and Mortar Gunner for Task Force Bullrush 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit SOC. In 2008 Sergeant Major Caldwell was again deployed to Al Anbar Province, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During this tour he was combat meritoriously promoted to Corporal and served as Squad Leader and Vehicle Commander for Operation Destroy Al-Qaeda in the North. Additionally, Sergeant Major Caldwell was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
In 2010 and 2011 Sergeant Major Caldwell was deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom in Helmand Provence, Afghanistan. During this tour he served as Chief Scout, Vehicle Commander, and Platoon Sergeant. Upon returning from this tour Sergeant Major Caldwell reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina. After completing Drill Instructor School Sergeant Major Caldwell was assigned to 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, Mike Company. During this tour he served as Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, and Chief Drill Instructor from 2012 to 2015. He was also promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant.
Upon successful completion of this tour Sergeant Major Caldwell reported back to 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion to serve as Platoon Commander. While on this tour Sergeant Major Caldwell was selected to Task Force Southwest and was deployed to Helmand Provence, Afghanistan. During this tour he received the Foreign Security Force Advisor occupational designation. Sergeant Major Caldwell was deployed from 2017 to 2018. Immediately upon returning Sergeant Major Caldwell attended Infantry Unit Leaders Course and reported to 1st Expeditionary Operations Training Group in Camp Pendleton, California.
Sergeant Major Caldwell was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. He was assigned as the Staff Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the Ropes and Recovery Branch. While supporting the1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Sergeant Major also attended Advanced Course. Upon completion of this tour in 2021, Sergeant Major Caldwell was assigned to 1st Battalion 1st Marines and deployed with the 1st Battalion Landing Team, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit to the 7th Fleet and CENTCOM. During this tour Sergeant Major Caldwell served as the Weapons Company Operations Chief and Assistant Operations Chief for the battalion. Sergeant Major Caldwell was selected and promoted to the rank of First Sergeant in 2022.
He then reported to Marine Corps Recruit Dept, San Diego, California. He served as the Unit Senior Enlisted Leader for Headquarters and Service Battalion. In 2023, Sergeant Major Caldwell was assigned to Weapons Field Training Battalion, Edson Range, Camp Pendleton, California. During this tour he served as acting Sergeant Major and Unit Senior Enlisted Leader for Field Company.
Sergeant Major Caldwell was then screened and selected to Marine Special Operations Command and was assigned to 1st Marine Raider Support Battalion in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. During this tour Sergeant Major Caldwell completed Joint Senior Enlisted Professional Military Education and was selected to the rank of Sergeant Major in 2025.
Sergeant Major Caldwell is currently positioned as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader of 2d Radio Battalion.