Master Gunnery Sergeant Adam D. Bethard enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on 28 May 1991. After graduating High School he attended recruit Training with Platoon 3043 at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Ca. Upon completion of recruit training, he attended Marine Combat Training at School of Infantry West at Camp Pendleton, Ca. At the completion of Marine Combat Training he received orders to MCB Quantico, VA to attend Computer Science School where he was assigned the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) for COBOL Programming.

After completing school Private First Class Bethard was assigned to 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 1, G-6, Okinawa Japan. While assigned, he participated in multiple training exercises throughout the Far East including “Cobra Gold” in Thailand and was assigned the additional MOS of Small Systems Computer Specialist.

In January of 1993, Lance Corporal Bethard left Okinawa, Japan and was assigned to Defense Finance and Accounting Services in Kansas City, Mo as a computer programmer. While there he was promoted to Corporal and subsequently to Sergeant and attended the resident Sergeants Course.

In February of 1997, Sergeant Bethard received orders to attend Basic Security Guard Course in Norfolk, Virginia and subsequently assigned to Marine Corps Security Force Company, Naples, Italy. Holding the positions of Sergeant of the Guard and Training Chief, he deployed in support of “Operation Silver Wake” in Albania. He also was promoted to Staff Sergeant in January 1999.

In March of 1999, SSgt Bethard returned to CONUS and attended the resident Staff Non-Commissioned Officer Career Course. He reported for duty at Defense Finance and Accounting Services in Kansas City, Mo as a computer programmer in July of that year. While there he was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant in May 2001.

During February 2003, GySgt Bethard reported to Training and Education Command, Formal Schools Training Branch, MCB Quantico, Va. He filled the duty as Assistant Program Manager for the By Name Assignment System and subsequently assisted in the development of Marine Corps Training Information Management System. He was promoted to Master Sergeant in April 2006 and was awarded the Communications Chief MOS.

In July 2006, MSgt Bethard reported for duty at 2d Battalion, 7th Marines in 29 Palms California as the Communications Chief. He deployed in support of “Operation Iraqi Freedom” in Iraq and “Operation Enduring Freedom” in Afghanistan.

During July 2009, MSgt Bethard reported to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni S6 as the Station Communications Chief in Iwakuni Japan. He transferred to Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 in July 2010 and was promoted to Master Gunnery Sergeant in August 2010. He deployed to South Korea in support of “Foal Eagle” and “Key Resolve”.

MGySgt Bethard assumed his current post as Senior Enlisted Advisor at Marine Corps Detachment Fort Gordon, Georgia on 9 June 2012.

His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with gold star, Joint Service Commendation Medal with bronze oak leaf cluster, Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, and Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star.