Joseph Caputo was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico in November of 1975. He graduated from Cibola High School in 1994 and graduated United States Marine Corps recruit training as a Private in June of 1995. After completing recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, CA., he attended Marine Combat Training at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, in Oceanside, CA. Upon completion of MCT, he received orders to the Military Police School at Ft. McClellan, AL.
While in MP School, he distinguished himself and was selected for duty at The Presidential Helicopter Squadron (HMX-1). In November 1995, Pfc. Caputo graduated MP School and was transferred to Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA. Upon reporting for duty, he was assigned to the Security Department, HMX-1. From the ranks of private first class to sergeant, he was meritoriously promoted twice and served as a sentry, Corporal of the Guard, Sergeant of the Guard, and Platoon Sergeant. Sergeant Caputo served at the Executive Alert Facility and also served as Mission NCOIC and Mission Security Officer on a vast number of missions in direct support of the President of the United States and The White House Military Office.
In June of 1999, Sgt. Caputo volunteered for Drill Instructor Duty and reported to Drill Instructor School at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. Upon graduating Drill Instructor School, Sgt. Caputo reported to India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, for duty. Sergeant Caputo completed four training cycles as a drill instructor. He was then selected to report to Support Battalion, to serve as a Marine Combat Instructor of Water Survival (MCIWS) at the depot Swim Tank. He then reported back to India Company and completed an additional three training cycles as a senior drill instructor. Sgt. Caputo was promoted to staff sergeant in December of 2001.
In November 2002, Staff Sgt. Caputo reported to The Provost Marshal’s Office, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Okinawa, Japan. While in Okinawa, Staff Sgt. Caputo served as a Platoon Commander and Field Training Officer for Military Police District North. This district included Camp Hansen, Camp Schwab and the Jungle Warfare Training Center.
In December 2004, Staff Sgt. Caputo reported to Military Police Company, 1st Force Service Support Group, MCB Camp Pendleton, CA. While assigned, Staff Sgt. Caputo served as a Platoon Sergeant, Platoon Commander, and Company Gunnery Sergeant. In October, 2006 he was promoted to the rank of gunnery sergeant and served as the Company Gunnery Sergeant and Company 1st Sergeant. While assigned to this unit, he completed two combat deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In June 2007, Gunnery Sergeant Caputo reported to Marine Combat Development Command (MCCDC), Capabilities Development Directorate, MCB Quantico, Virginia for duty as a Requirements Officer and Combat Developer for Infantry Weapons Systems.
In May of 2008, Gunnery Sergeant Caputo reported to Officer Candidates School (OCS) as a drill instructor to train, screen and evaluate Marine Corps Officer Candidates attending OCC-198. Upon the successful completion of OCC-198 in August of 2008, Gunnery Sergeant Caputo was transferred back to his previous position at MCCDC.
In April of 2010, Gunnery Sergeant Caputo was promoted to the rank of 1st Sergeant. He reported back to OCS and served as the Company 1stSgt for Hotel and India Companies.
In October 2010, First Sergeant Caputo reported to 3d Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, MCB Camp Pendleton, California. While assigned to 3d Assault Amphibian Battalion, First Sergeant Caputo led the Marines of Alpha Company on the Unit Deployment Program (UDP) to Combat Assault Battalion, Okinawa Japan.
In July of 2012, First Sergeant Caputo reported to 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 1st Marine Division. He was assigned as the Company 1stSgt for Charlie Company. While assigned to this unit he deployed with Battalion Landing Team 1/4, on the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
In February of 2015, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant Major and reported to 1st Radio Battalion, I MEF Headquarters Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force.
In June of 2017, SgtMaj Caputo reported to Marine Corps Security Force Battalion, Bangor, Washington.
Sergeant Major Caputo’s personal awards include: The Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal with three gold stars in lieu of fourth award, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two gold stars in lieu of third award, Army Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon and the Presidential Service Badge.
Sergeant Major Caputo is married to the former Nadine Ortega of Albuquerque, New Mexico. They have four children: Hailey Victory-age 10, Paul Thomas-age 8, Joanna Hope-age 3 and Jack Henry-7 months.