Official Biography
Drum Major
Gunnery Sergeant Jessica K Larsen

Gunnery Sergeant Jessica K Larsen was born on 7 May 1994 in Honolulu, HI.  She enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in 2012 and attended recruit training at Oscar Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. Upon completion of recruit training in February 2013, Private First Class Larsen attended Marine Combat Training, School of Infantry at Camp Geiger. Upon completion, she reported to the Naval School of Music, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek where she was assigned the military occupational specialty of 5524, Musician.

 

In August 2013, Lance Corporal Larsen reported to the 1st Marine Division Band as a Saxophone Instrumentalist. In January 2014, Lance Corporal Larsen was promoted to the rank of Corporal and served as the Administration Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge. In September 2015, Corporal Larsen was promoted to Sergeant. Sergeant Schuster continued to serve as the Administration Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge and the unit's Sergeant of the Guard.

 

In April 2018, Sergeant Schuster reported to Drill Instructor School Class 3-18 aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina where she served as a Drill Instructor for Papa Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion; Drill Instructor for Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion; Senior Drill Instructor for Special Training Company, Support Battalion; Senior Drill Instructor for Papa Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion; Senior Drill Instructor for Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion; Chief Drill Instructor for Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion; and The Voice of Parris Island. She was promoted to Staff Sergeant in January 2020.

 

In August 2021, Staff Sergeant Larsen reported to the Marine Detachment, Naval School of Music, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek to attend the Unit Leader Course, and graduated in May 2022, moving to the 1st Marine Division Band, Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division. During her time at the 1st Marine Division Band, she served as a Saxophone Instrumentalist and earned the billet of Drum Major in February 2023. Staff Sergeant Larsen was the first female Drum Major to lead the West Coast Composite Band at the Tournament of Roses Parade in 2023. She was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant in June 2024.

Gunnery Sergeant Larsen is currently serving as the Drum Major at the 2nd Marine Division Band, Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division.  Her personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal; she also earned her Bachelors Degree in Psychology in June 2024 from National University.