Mark S. Albert was born on January 6, 1984 in Colorado Springs, Colorado to Matthew and Riki Albert and was raised in Battle Creek, Michigan. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2002 and attended Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego where, upon graduation, he was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Private First Class. 

In May of 2003, Private First Class Albert attended the School of Infantry at Camp Pendleton, CA and completed training, earning the primary MOS of 0311. Upon graduating in the top 5% of his class Private First Class Albert was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal and was assigned to Basic Reconnaissance School in Coronado, CA.

In July of 2003, Lance Corporal Albert was assigned to Co. A, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines. He completed three deployments with the battalion serving in Operation Vigilant Resolve during early 2004, Ar Ramadi in 2005, and the 31st MEU in late 2006. During his time with the battalion, he was promoted through the ranks to Sergeant and held billets as a platoon and company radio operator, team leader, squad leader, and platoon sergeant.

In 2007, Sergeant Albert was assigned to the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, CA. He was assigned to the Mountain Leaders Course cadre and held billets as an instructor, team leader, and assistant SNCOIC. He instructed there until 2009 and was then assigned to the Unit Training Group cadre where he served assisted in leading instructor development and training.

In 2010, Sergeant Albert was assigned to Co. C, 1st Battalion, 3d Marines as a squad leader. In October of that year he was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant and deployed in 2011 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2012 he attended Infantry Unit Leaders Course, graduating as the class Honor Graduate, and earning the coveted MOS of 0369.

In 2013, Staff Sergeant Albert was assigned to Combat Instructor duty at Camp Pendleton, CA. Upon graduating as the Honor Graduate from Combat Instructor School he was assigned to Co. B, Infantry Training Battalion, where he served as a Platoon Commander. In 2015 he was transferred to the Battalion Operations Section, serving as the Training and Support SNCOIC. Staff Sergeant Albert was meritoriously promoted to Gunnery Sergeant on July 2nd, 2016 and assumed duties as the Battalion Operations Chief.

In 2017, Gunnery Sergeant Albert was assigned to 3d Marine Regiment, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, where he served as the Regimental Training Chief. In August of 2018 he deployed as an individual augment to Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve in support of combat operations in the defeat of ISIS and in February of 2019 assumed duties as the Company Gunnery Sergeant for Headquarters Company.

In 2020, Gunnery Sergeant Albert was promoted to the rank of First Sergeant and was assigned to Battery A, 1st Battalion, 12th Marines. In June of 2021 he deployed to Okinawa, Japan in support of the Unit Deployment Program. Upon returning from deployment he assumed duties as the Battery First Sergeant for Headquarters Battery. In April of 2022, he was assigned to his current billet as the Sergeant Major, 1st Battalion, 12th Marines.

First Sergeant Albert's personal awards and decorations include the Combat Action Ribbon, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal (x1 oak leaf cluster in lieu of second award), Navy Commendation Medal (x1 gold star in lieu of second award), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (x3 gold stars in lieu of fourth award), Combat Instructor Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal (x1 silver star in lieu of six award), as well as multiple Certificates of Commendation and Meritorious Masts.