Master Sergeant James R. Holt III studied Music Education at Campbellsville University and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2005. Upon completion of recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island SC and Marine Combat Training, he reported to Marine Detachment, Naval School of Music in Virginia Beach, VA to receive instruction as a saxophone instrumentalist.
Following graduation from the School of Music in April 2006, he reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, CA for duty with Marine Band San Diego as a saxophone instrumentalist. In addition to his musical duties, he served as the supply non-commissioned officer, information systems coordinator, and assistant Small Ensemble Leader.
In April 2009, Master Sergeant Holt reported to the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC) in Twentynine Palms, CA for duty with the MCAGCC Band as a saxophone instrumentalist. In addition to his musical duties, he served as Platoon Sergeant and assistant Enlisted Conductor.
In December 2010, Master Sergeant Holt reported to Marine Detachment, Naval School of Music in Virginia Beach, VA for training in the Unit Leader course of instruction. Following graduation from the course in August 2011, and after a successful staff appraisal, he remained at the Naval School of Music as the saxophone instructor. In January 2013, he transitioned from his duties as saxophone instructor to serve as Advance Course Drum Major Instructor, Basic Course Drill Band Instructor, and Marine Detachment Platoon Sergeant. During this time, he was selected to receive the billet of Drum Major.
In May 2014, Master Sergeant Holt reported to III Marine Expeditionary Force Band for duty as Drum Major. In March 2015 he deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to Djibouti for service with Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) as the Senior Range Coordinator. He would transition to U.S. Embassy Kampala, Uganda for service as the Assistant Liaison Officer for CJTF-HOA in April 2015 for the remainder of the deployment.
In May 2017, Master Sergeant Holt reported to U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific Band for duty as Drum Major. During this time, he was selected by the Marine Corps Music Program to become a Recruiting District Musician Technical Assistant (MTA). In January 2020, he reported to 1st Marine Corps District where he served as the District’s MTA, responsible for auditioning all applicants interested in joining the United States Marine Corps as musicians from the Northeast.
In October 2022, Master Sergeant Holt was selected to serve as Assistant Drum Major for “The President’s Own”, United States Marine Band in Washington, D.C. Along with leading the band during ceremonial events, he served as the unit’s Company Gunnery Sergeant and oversaw onboarding and new member training.
In January 2025, he returned to the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band where he currently serves as the Enlisted Bandleader and Senior Enlisted Advisor.