Sergeant Major Ballate is a native of Miami, Florida. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in August 2002 and attended boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina where he earned the title "Marine". He went on to Marine Combat Training, School of Infantry (East) and then to Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida where he received the military occupational specialty of Air Traffic Control Communications Technician.
His initial assignment was with Marine Air Control Squadron 2, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina from 2004 to 2007. There, he deployed twice with Detachment Charlie in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004 and 2006. In March of 2007, Sergeant Ballate reported to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Japan. There, he served as the Air Traffic Control Communications and Navigational Aids Chief.
In April of 2010, Staff Sergeant Ballate reported to Marine Air Control Squadron 2, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina. While apart of the detachment, he served as the Air Traffic Control Communications Work Center Supervisor and as a Collateral Duty Quality Assurance Representative. While stationed on Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort he also served as a Corporals Course Instructor under Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron.
In June of 2013, Staff Sergeant Ballate received orders to Drill Instructor duty at Parris Island, South Carolina and was assigned to Company K, 3d Battalion. After a successful special duty assignment tour, Gunnery Sergeant Ballate was assigned to Marine Air Traffic Control School House, Aviation Maintenance Squadron 2, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida from June 2016 to May 2019. He served as the Training Chief and Squadron Gunnery Sergeant.
In May of 2019, First Sergeant Ballate reported to Company L, 3d Battalion 4th Marines, 7th Marine Regiment, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms California. While serving as a Unit Senior Enlisted Leader, he supported Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Forces Alaska and South West Border. He also deployed in support of Battalion Landing Team 3/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.
In July of 2021, First Sergeant Ballate reported to Fort Bliss, Texas for duty at United States Army Sergeant Major Academy Class 72. Upon graduation he received orders to 9th Communication Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, Camp Pendleton, California. There, he served as a Unit Senior Enlisted Leader for Defensive Cyber Operations-Internal Defensive Measures Company from July 2022 to December 2022.
From December 2022 to October 2024, Sergeant Major Ballate served as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for Advanced Infantry Training Battalion, School of Infantry (West). In October of 2024, Sergeant Major Ballate reported to Combat Logistics Battalion 15, where he currently serves as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader.
Sergeant Major Ballates' personal awards include Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two gold stars), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Leadership and Workforce Development and also serves as an Adjunct Faculty for the College of Distance Education.