Master Sgt. James R. Holt III currently serves as enlisted bandleader of the III Marine Expeditionary Force 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. Holt leads the band in performance or assists in preparing the band for concerts, parades, and other functions.
Master Sgt. Holt holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Campbellsville University and studied saxophone performance under Mr. Floyd Farmer.
Master Sgt. Holt enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 2005 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 2006 at the Naval School of Music in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Master Sgt. Holt served as a saxophone instrumentalist in the following fleet Marine bands: Marine Band San Diego (2006-2009); and the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Band (2009-2010). Master Sgt. Holt served as the drum major in the following fleet Marine bands: III Marine Expeditionary Force Band (2014-2017); and the U.S. Marine Forces Pacific Band (2017-2019). Master Sgt. Holt also served as the assistant drum major for the United States Marine Band “the Presidents Own” (2022-2024). As do all fleet Marine musicians, Master Sgt. Holt served in a variety of music, collateral duty, and leadership roles, to include platoon leadership.
Master Sgt. Holt deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (2015). In 2011, Master Sgt. Holt served as an instructor at the Naval School of Music. From 2019-2022, he served as the musician technical assistant with 1st Marine Corps Recruiting District.
Master Sgt. Holt attended the Unit Leader Course (2011) and is a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Seminar Program (2024). His awards include the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (5th award), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.