Sergeant Major Nichols was born on 12 May 1986 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on 02
August 2004 and attended Recruit Training at MCRD San Diego, CA. Upon completion, he received training at Marine
Combat Training (MCT) at Camp Pendleton, CA. He graduated Basic Maintenance Management Course in Camp
Johnson, N.C., receiving the military occupational specialty (MOS) of 0411.
Private First Class Nichols was assigned to Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 18 in Okinawa, Japan on
February 2005 to serve as a Maintenance Management Specialist. Private First Class Nichols was promoted to the rank of
Lance Corporal in December of 2006. During his tour Lance Corporal Nichols deployed to Korea and participated in
Humanitarian Relief Efforts in the Philippines. In July of 2007 Lance Corporal Nichols was promoted to the rank of
Corporal and was selected as the 1st Marine Air Craft Wing Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) of the Quarter for three
consecutive quarters. Corporal Nichols was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Sergeant in February 2008.
Sergeant Nichols attended Drill Instructor School at MCRD Parris Island, S.C. and after graduating was assigned to
Delta Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion. Sergeant Nichols reached the billet of Experienced Drill Instructor and
served as an Academics Instructor and Chief Academics Instructor for the Academics Instruction Section. Sergeant
Nichols also served as the Company Gunnery Sergeant of Instructional Training Company and was selected as the Drill
Instructor of the Quarter 3rd Quarter Fiscal Year 2010. After returning to Delta Company, Sergeant Nichols was
meritoriously promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant in January 2011. Staff Sergeant Nichols assumed the duties of Senior
Drill Instructor and was selected as the 1st Recruit Training Battalion's Senior Drill Instructor of the Quarter. Staff Sergeant
Nichols holds the Regimental Record for the Final Drill with a Unit Leader score of 100 percent.
Staff Sergeant Nichols was assigned to 1st Battalion, 12th Marines as the Battalion Maintenance Management Chief
and Platoon Sergeant. In January of 2014 Staff Sergeant Nichols received orders to Officer Training Command, Newport,
RI, to train Naval Officer Candidates. Staff Sergeant Nichols was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant in November
2015. In March 2017, Gunnery Sergeant Nichols graduated from the Navy Senior Enlisted Academy as Honor Graduate,
and successfully completed a second tour as a Drill Instructor.
Gunnery Sergeant Nichols was assigned to MCLB Albany, GA in April 2017 to serve as the Base Ordnance Officer. In
October 2017, Gunnery Sergeant Nichols assumed to billet of Headquarters Company First Sergeant. Gunnery Sergeant
Nichols was frocked to the rank of First Sergeant in April 2019.
First Sergeant Nichols was assigned as the Weapons Company First Sergeant at 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines in June of
2019. In September 2019, First Sergeant Nichols deployed to the CENTCOM AOR as part SPMAGTF CR-CC 20.1 in
support of Operation Inherent Resolve. He then later deployed to Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan as part of the Unit
Deployment program. Upon return from deployment, First Sergeant Nichols assumed duties as the Headquarters and
Instructor Company First Sergeant and Senior Enlisted Advisor of Combat Instructor School at the School of Infantry-West.
First Sergeant Nichols was frocked to the rank of Sergeant Major in July 2023.
Sergeant Major Nichols's awards and citations include: the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal silver star in lieu
of sixth award, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal gold star in lieu of second award and the Military Outstanding
Volunteer Service Medal. Sergeant Major Nichols is an Honor Graduate of the Navy Senior Enlisted Academy and holds a
Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice Administration.
Sergeant Major Nichols assumed his current position as the 1st Landing Support Battalion Sergeant Major in August 2023. On October 1st 2023 1st Land support Battalion redesignated to 1st Distribution Support Battalion
Sergeant Major Nichols is married to the former Anastasia M. Pike of Cincinnati, OH. They have been married since
November 3, 2010 and have three children, Jaxon, Camden, Lucas, and Bellamy.