Instrument Repair Technicain
Staff Sergeant Benjamin Callihan
SSgt Callihan enlisted in the Marine Corps in December 2009. After completing recruit training at MCRD Parris Island, SC and Marine Combat Training at Camp Geiger, NC, he reported to the Naval School of Music in Virginia Beach, VA as a Basic Musician and earned the Military Occupational Specialty of 5524 Musician.
In November 2010, upon graduation from the Basic Musician Course, Lance Corporal Callihan was assigned to Marine Band Albany in Albany, GA for duty as a Clarinet Instrumentalist. While there he was promoted to Corporal and served as a Sound Technician.
In March 2012, Corporal Callihan checked into the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band at Cherry Point, NC for duty as a Clarinet Instrumentalist. While there he served as Clarinet section leader and Training NCOIC. He was promoted to Sergeant in May 2013 and subsequently served as Squad Leader, Platoon Guide, Woodwind group leader, Staging NCOIC, and Supply Clerk.
In Mar 2015, Sgt Callihan received orders to Camp Pendleton, CA with the 1st Marine Division Band to serve as a Clarinet Instrumentalist. While there, he served as the Supply NCOIC, Squad Leader, Section Commander, Staff Arranger, Information Systems Coordinator and Assistant Instrument Repair Technician. He also completed the Combat Lifesavers course and Combat Marksmanship Coaches Course. He was promoted to his current rank of Staff Sergeant in October 2017.
In October 2018, SSgt Callihan was transferred to Camp Lejeune, NC with the 2D Marine Division Band to serve as Clarinet Instrumentalist. While there, he served as the Assistant Instrument Repair Technician and Woodwind Section Commander. SSgt Callihan was subsequently selected for the PMOS 5523 – Instrument Repair Technician.
In July 2022, SSgt Callihan began his formal training in Band Instrument Repair at Minnesota State College Southeast Technical in Red Wing, MN. He graduated with honors in May 2023.
In June 2023, SSgt Callihan was assigned as Instrument Repair Technician at Marine Detachment Naval School of Music. During this tour he served as Head of Instrument Repair, Supply Staff Noncommissioned Officer-in-Charge (SNCOIC), Agency Program Coordinator (APC), Organizational Defense Travel Administrator (ODTA), Marine Detachment (MarDet) Funds Manager, Collateral Duty Safety Officer (CDSO), Fire Warden, Marine’s Awaiting Training (MAT) Program Coordinator, Responsible Individual, and Naval School of Music Purchasing Agent.
In July 2025, SSgt Callihan was transferred to the Quantico Marine Band where he currently serves as the Instrument Repair Technician.
His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3rd Award).