Sergeant Major Juan C. Alvarado enlisted in the Marine Corps in May of 1989 and reported for recruit training at MCRD San Diego. He attended Motor Transport School as an operator aboard Camp Johnson, NC and graduated in December of 1989. His first duty assignment was with 3rd Tank Battalion in 29 Palms CA. While serving with 3rd Tanks, he deployed in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. His next duty assignment was with 1st Tank Battalion; during this assignment, he deployed to Somalia, Africa in support of Operation Restore Hope with Task Force Mogadishu.
In May 1993, upon completion of his first enlistment, he was transferred to 8th & I Marine Barracks, Washington D.C. and served as a Motor Transport Section Chief.
In May 1995, while stationed at 8th & I, he was selected to be the driver and a member of the security detail for the 31st Commandant of the Marine Corps.
In July 1999, he received orders to attend the Marine Security Guard (MSG) School as a Detachment Commander. His first assignment would be in Brasilia, Brazil. After completing his first post, he was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant and received orders to his second post Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
In September 2002, after successfully completing his tour in MSG duty, he was transferred to the 4th MEB in Camp Lejeune, NC. During this period he deployed to the Horn of Africa and the Middle East as the SNCO in charge of the Protective Security Detail for the Commander of the Combined Joint Task Force (HOA). Upon his return, he was briefly assigned to SOTG, II MEF and was deployed to Colombia, South America in support of a Riverine Training Team. He then returned to the 4th MEB and served as the G-4 Current Operations Chief and was selected to the rank of First Sergeant.
In Feb 2005, upon his selection to First Sergeant, he received orders and reported for duty to the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group, Region 6, Pretoria, South Africa; where he served in 14 countries within Sub-Saharan, Africa Region.
In May 2008, he received orders to 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Company G in Camp Lejeune, NC.
In Dec 2008, he was selected to the rank of Sergeant Major and took his post as the Battalion SgtMaj for the 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment. In this capacity, He deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
In October 2011, SgtMaj Alvarado executed orders to the School of Infantry-East, Infantry Training Battalion.
In March 2013, he received orders to the 6th Marine Regiment where he served as the Regimental Sergeant Major.
In Aug 2014, he assumed his post as the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group Sergeant Major.
His personal awards include: Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with (2) gold stars, Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.