Master Sgt. Phagan currently serves as enlisted bandleader for the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve Band. In this capacity he is the senior enlisted advisor and Staff Noncommissioned Officer in Charge (SNCOIC) of the band. He serves as the band’s primary point-of-contact for inquiries and requests for band performances and advises the director in developing the musical proficiency of the band and in planning and supervising all training, operations, and administrative duties within the band. Master Sgt. Phagan leads the band in performance or assists in preparing the band for concerts, parades, and other functions.
Master Sgt. Phagan enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 2002 and completed Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina and Marine Combat Training at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He completed the Basic Music Course in 2003 at the Naval School of Music in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Master Sgt. Phagan served as a euphonium and trombone instrumentalist in the following fleet Marine bands: 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band (2003-2007); U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific Band (2007-2010); Albany Marine Band (2010-2012); 2nd Marine Division Band (2012-2013); and Marine Band San Diego (2014-2016). As do all fleet Marine musicians, Master Sgt. Phagan served in a variety of music, collateral duty, and leadership roles, to include platoon leadership.
Master Sgt. Phagan deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (2005). From 2019 - 2023, Master Sgt. Phagan served as an instructor at the Naval School of Music. From 2017-2019, he served as the musician technical assistant with 6th Marine Corps Recruiting District. Master Sgt. Phagan is a Marine Corps martial arts instructor.
Master Sgt. Phagan was promoted to his current rank in 2023 and served as the enlisted bandleader of the following fleet Marine bands: Parris Island Marine Band (2023-2024).
Master Sgt. Phagan attended the Unit Leader Course (2014), Sound Reinforcement Course (2015), Advanced Musician Course (2022) and is a graduate of the E8 Seminar (2023). His awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4th award), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.