Official Biography

Director & Officer in Charge
Warrant Officer Benjamin J. Hallquist

Warrant Officer Hallquist arrived at 3D Marine Aircraft Wing Band in June of 2024 to assume the duties as the Director and Officer in Charge. A native of Tulsa Oklahoma, he attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, CA in July of 2007. Upon graduation of recruit training and Marine Combat training, he received orders to the Naval School of Music where he was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal. After graduation from the School of Music in June of 2008, he reported to Parris Island Marine Band where he served as a Percussion Instrumentalist, Section Leader, Fire Team Leader, and Squad Leader and was promoted to the ranks of Corporal in November of 2009 and Sergeant in April of 2010.

In December of 2010, he received orders to 1st Marine Division Band where he served as Squad Leader, Section Leader, Group Leader, and Supply NCOIC before deploying in March of 2013. He deployed as an individual augment to Regimental Combat Team 7 and served in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan. Upon his return from Afghanistan, he continued to serve at 1st Marine Division as Platoon Sergeant, Enlisted Conductor, Small Ensemble Leader, and Instrument Repair Technician Apprentice. In October of 2015, he was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant.

In January of 2018, he reported back to the School of Music as an advanced course student for the Unit Leaders Course until August of 2018. In August of 2018, Warrant Officer Hallquist reported to 2D Marine Aircraft Wing Band in Cherry Point, NC where he assumed the duties of the Instrument Repair Technician. While serving at 2D MAW, Warrant Officer Hallquist was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant in October of 2020. Warrant Officer Hallquist additionally served in the roles of Drum Major and Enlisted Conductor before reporting to Marine Band San Diego in August 2021.

Warrant Officer arrived at Marine Band San Diego in August of 2021 to assume the duties of Drum Major. While serving at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Warrant Officer Hallquist served as the Drum Major, Instrument Repair Technician, and Enlisted Conductor over the course of his tenure. In May of 2023, Warrant Officer Hallquist attended the Advanced Musicians’ Course and was later selected into the Marine Corps’ Warrant Officer program.

Warrant Officer Hallquist’s awards and decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3rd Award), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal (5th Award), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Overseas Deployment Ribbon, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal.