Gunnery Sergeant Brandon Johnson enlisted in the Marine Corps in January 2007 and attended Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, CA. Upon completion of Recruit Training, Private First Class Johnson was transferred to the School of Infantry, Camp Pendleton, CA where he completed Marine Combat Training. Upon completion of MCT, PFC Johnson was transferred to the Naval School of Music in Virginia Beach, VA, where he completed the Basic Music Course. After completion of school, he was assigned to the Parris Island Marine Band, MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina. During this tour he worked as assistant and acting Small Ensemble Leader.

In August 2013, Sergeant Johnson transferred to the Naval School of Music in Virginia Beach, VA, where he completed the Music Unit Leader’s Course. After completion of the school he was assigned to the 3d Marine Aircraft Wing Band in Miramar, CA. During this tour, he completed the Sound Reinforcement Course and filled the roles of Sound Reinforcement Staff Non-Commissioned Officer, Platoon Guide, and acting Small Ensemble Leader.

Staff Sergeant Johnson transferred to the Naval School of Music in December 2017 to serve as the Platoon Sergeant for all entry level Marines in the Occupational Field. During this tour he was assigned the Basic Military Occupational Specialty of Small Ensemble Leader. In January 2020, he transitioned to a student role in the Advanced Musician Course. Upon graduation, he was assigned as Small Ensemble Leader at the 1st Marine Division Band, Camp Pendleton, CA, where he was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant in July 2022.
Serving at the 1^st Marine Division, Gunnery Sergeant Johnson directed, mixed and starred in what would be selected as the “USMC long form video of the year, 2020”.
Gunnery Sergeant Johnson reported to the Quantico Marine Corps Band in August 2023 as Production Manager, a new designation created as part of the realignment of the Band Occ-field in line with FD2030 and Talent Management.

During his Career, Gunnery Sergeant Johnson has represented the Fleet Bands in the Marine Corps Jazz Orchestra for 9 years by audition, and assisted the United States Marine Band with live sound, recording, and videography work. His primary vocational expertise crosses the realms of musical improvisation, audio engineering, and performance storytelling.
Gunnery Sergeant Johnson’s personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (Two Gold Stars in lieu of third award) and Navy Achievement Medal.