Sergeant Major Ismael G. Bamba enlisted in the Marine Corps in March 1999 and completed recruit training at MCRD Parris Island, SC where he was meritoriously promoted to Private First Class. Following Recruit Training, he attended the School of Infantry in Camp Lejeune, NC where he received the MOS of 0351, Anti-Armor Assault-Man.
In November 1999, PFC Bamba reported to Golf Company, Weapons Platoon, 2d Battalion, 4th Marines in Camp Pendleton, CA. In December 1999, he was named Marine of the Quarter and meritoriously promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal. From July 2000 to January 2001, he deployed with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable). During this deployment, he was promoted to the rank of Corporal. He attended Marine Corps Marksmanship Instructor School; attaining the additional MOS of 0931, Primary Marksmanship Instructor. In September 2002, he was selected as the 5th Marine Regiment Marine of the Year and meritoriously promoted to the rank of Sergeant and awarded the Sergeant Major Molnar’s Leadership Award.
In October 2003, Sergeant Bamba reported to Drill Instructor School, MCRD San Diego, CA. Upon completion of Drill Instructor School, he was assigned to Kilo Company, 3d Recruit Training Regiment, where he served as a Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, and Program of Instruction Manager In January 2006, he was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant.
In January 2007, he reported to 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, Camp Pendleton, California where he served as Infantry Platoon Sergeant for 1st Platoon, Charlie Company during Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-08; Scout Sniper Platoon Sergeant; and Company Gunnery Sergeant for Headquarters and Service Company during Operation Iraqi Freedom 07-92 and 0-91. In January 2009, he was Combat meritoriously promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant and served as the Battalion Gunner.
In August 2009, Gunnery Sergeant Bamba reported to Officer Training Command, Naval Station Newport, RI where he served as a Drill Instructor.
In January 2013, Gunnery Sergeant Bamba reported to Marine Corps Detachment Newport, RI where he served as the Company Gunnery Sergeant and Company First Sergeant.
In February 2014, Gunnery Sergeant Bamba was promoted to the rank of First Sergeant and reported to Marine Corps Base Hawaii where he served as Company First Sergeant, Kilo Company, Weapons Company, and Headquarters and Service Company, 3d Battalion, 3d Marines.
In February 2017, First Sergeant Bamba reported to Marine Corps Base Okinawa, Japan where he served as Company First Sergeant for Ordnance Maintenance Company, 3d Maintenance Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3d Marines Logistics Group.
In December 2017, he was promoted to Sergeant Major and reported to Marine Wing Communications Squadron 18, Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, where he served as Squadron Sergeant Major.
In November 2019, Sergeant Major Bamba reported to Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 1, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, where he served as Squadron Sergeant Major.
In February 2022, Sergeant Major Bamba reported to the 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, where he is currently serving as Regimental Sergeant Major.
Sergeant Major Bamba has an Associate’s Degree in Professional Studies, a Bachelor's Degree of Science in Leadership, and a Master's Degree in Homeland Security. His personal awards include: the Meritorious Service Medal with a gold star in lieu of second award, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with four gold stars in lieu of fifth award, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with three gold stars in lieu of fourth award, and a Combat Action Ribbon.