Sgt. Maj. Ryan Gnecco is a native of Tarzana, California. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, July 22, 1996 and graduated recruit training from Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, on Oct. 11 1996. Upon graduation, he attended Marine Combat Training at the School of Infantry (SOI) Camp Pendleton, California, where he attained the MOS of 0341 mortarman.
After the completion of SOI he was ordered to Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California, as a mortarman, where he deployed twice in support of operation Southern Watch. During this period he was promoted to the rank of corporal and sergeant.
In September 2000, Sgt. Maj. Gnecco was assigned to attend Drill Instructor School at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California. After completion of Drill Instructor School, Sgt. Maj. Gnecco was assigned to Fox Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, were he served as a drill Instructor and senior drill Instructor. During this period, Sgt. Maj. Gnecco was meritoriously promoted to the rank of staff sergeant in 2003.
In December 2003, Sgt. Maj. Gnecco reported to 2d Battalion, 1st Marines (2/1) where he served as a section leader and a platoon commander. While assigned to 2/1, he deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 2 and 4-6 as part of the Ground Combat Element.
In April 2006, Sgt. Maj. Gnecco reported to Officer Candidate School, Quantico, Virginia. During this time he served as a sergeant instructor, platoon sergeant and the staff non-commissioned officer in charge of instruction. He was promoted to the rank of gunnery sergeant in February 2007.
In June, 2009, Sgt. Maj. Gnecco reported to India Company, 3d Battalion, 7th Marines (3/7), 1st Marine Division, for duty as a company gunnery sergeant. During this time, he was reassigned as a platoon commander for the Regimental Jump and deployed with Regimental Combat Team 7 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
In December 2010, Sgt. Maj. Gnecco was selected to first sergeant. He was assigned to India Company, 3/7 as company first sergeant in January 2011. He deployed with 3/7 to Sangin, Afghanistan in support Of Operation Enduring Freedom.
In July 2012, Sgt. Maj. Gnecco reported to the School of Infantry-West, Advanced Infantry Training Battalion, Infantry Unit Leaders Training Company for duty as company first sergeant. In September 2013, he assumed his duties as company first sergeant for Reconnaissance Training Company and was selected to rank of sergeant major in 2015.
In January 2016, Sgt. Maj. Gnecco was assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 15, for duty as the battalion sergeant major and subsequently deployed in support of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit's 17.2 deployment.
In August of 2018, Sgt. Maj. Gnecco was assigned to 3d Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion for duty as the battalion sergeant major.
In June 2020, Sgt. Maj. Gnecco was assigned to 2d Supply Battalion for duty as the battalion sergeant major.
In November 2022, Sgt. Maj. Gnecco was assigned to Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune for duty as the Marine Corps Installations East Sergeant Major.
Sgt. Maj. Gnecco's personal awards include the Bronze Star medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal (gold star in lieu of 4th award), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device (gold star in lieu of 4th award), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon (gold star in lieu of 2nd award) as well as various other unit and service awards.