Official Biography

Warrant Officer Aaron K. Carpenter enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in October 2012 and reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina for recruit training. Upon completion of recruit training and Marine Combat Training, Private First Class Carpenter reported to the Marine Detachment, Naval School of Music in Virginia Beach, Virginia to receive instruction as a trumpet instrumentalist.

Following graduation from the School of Music in August 2013, Lance Corporal Carpenter reported to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point for duty with the 2d Marine Aircraft Wing Band as a trumpet instrumentalist. In addition to his musical duties, he served as the sound reinforcement non-commissioned officer, library non-commissioned officer, and assistant Enlisted Conductor.

In January 2017, Sergeant Carpenter reported to Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay for duty with the Marine Forces Pacific Band as a trumpet instrumentalist. In addition to his musical duties, Sergeant Carpenter served as one of the band’s Martial Arts Instructors, brass quintet non-commissioned officer, assistant Enlisted Conductor, supply non-commissioned officer, and purchasing staff non-commissioned officer. Staff Sergeant Carpenter was promoted to his current rank in October 2018.

In August 2019, Staff Sergeant Carpenter reported to the Marine Detachment, Naval School of Music in Virginia Beach, Virginia for training in the Unit Leader course of instruction. During the course, in April 2020, Staff Sergeant Carpenter was selected to receive the billet of Enlisted Conductor.

In June 2020, Staff Sergeant Carpenter reported to Marine Corps Base Quantico for duty as the Enlisted Conductor of the Quantico Marine Corps Band where he was responsible for the musical development of over 50 Marines, overseeing the unit information office’s coordination with both civilian organizations and military units, and managing the unit’s performance library.

In September 2022, Staff Sergeant Carpenter reported to 1st Marine Corps District where he served as a Musician Placement Director for the Marine Corps Music Program. 

In January 2024, Staff Sergeant Carpenter was selected as a Warrant Officer in the United States Marine Corps and attended the Warrant Officer Basic Course at The Basic School, Quantico, VA. He currently serves as the Assistant Director / Operations Officer for the Marine Forces Reserve Band in New Orleans, LA.

Warrant Officer Carpenter earned a Bachelor’s Degree (cum laude) in Music Education from Northwestern State University in May 2006 and taught middle and high school band in Pineville, Louisiana until he enlisted in the Marine Corps. His personal awards include: Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (third award), Armed Forces Service Medal, and the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (third award). He resides in Belle Chasse, LA with his wife and daughter.