Sergeant Major Baker graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1985. On 17 July 1985, he entered the United States Marine Corps. He graduated from the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD), Parris Island, South Carolina in October 1985. Upon graduation from Boot Camp, Private First Class Baker reported to Marine Corps Infantry Training School, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
Upon completion of Infantry Training School in December 1985, Private First Class Baker received orders to Sea School in San Diego, California. After graduation from Sea School in January 1986, he then reported aboard the USS Hunley in Holy Loch, Scotland.
After completing his tour aboard the USS Hunley and receiving a promotion to the rank of Lance Corporal, he was assigned to the USS Coral Sea in June 1987. In June 1988, Lance Corporal Baker was assigned as a Fire Team Leader to Company F, 2nd Battalion 4th Marines, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Lance Corporal Baker was then promoted to the rank of Corporal on 1 September 1988.
In September 1989, Corporal Baker was assigned to Weapons Field Training Battalion, MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina as a rifle range coach and pit noncommissioned officer. Corporal Baker was then promoted to the rank of Sergeant on 1 August 1991.
Immediately following his promotion, Sergeant Baker was assigned to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba where he was assigned as a Chief Instructor in the S-3 Operations section. Sergeant Baker participated with the Joint Task Force in Operation Safe Harbor (Repatriation of Haitian Nationals).
In August 1992, Sergeant Baker returned to the United States and reported for duty with 3rd Battalion 7th Marines, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC) Twentynine Palms, California. Sergeant Baker participated in two Joint Task Force drug operations along the Mexican and Arizona borders. In February 1995, Sergeant Baker participated in Operation United Shield, Somalia.
In October 1995, Sergeant Baker reported to Drill Instructor School, San Diego, California. Upon graduation in December 1995, Sergeant Baker reported to Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Battalion. Sergeant Baker was then promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant on 1 December 1996.
In January 1998, Staff Sergeant Baker was assigned to Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion 7th Marines, MCAGCC Twentynine Palms, California where he served as the Combined Anti-Armor Team (CAAT) Platoon Sergeant. In April 2001 Staff Sergeant Baker was then assigned to the Staff Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Sergeant’s Course as a Squad Advisor and Drill Master.
1 August 2001 Staff Sergeant Baker was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. In October 2002, Gunnery Sergeant Baker was appointed as the Chief Instructor at the Staff Noncommissioned Officer Academy.
In January 2004, Gunnery Sergeant Baker returned to 2nd Battalion 7th Marines and was assigned to Company F as the Company Gunnery Sergeant. From 18 February 2004 to 18 September 2004, Gunnery Sergeant Baker deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II. After his deployment to Iraq, Gunnery Sergeant Baker was assigned to Company E as the Company Gunnery Sergeant. From 28 June 2005 to 6 January 2006, Gunnery Sergeant Baker deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom IV.
1 March 2006, Gunnery Sergeant Baker was promoted to First Sergeant. First Sergeant Baker was assigned to Company E as the Company First Sergeant. In September 2006, First Sergeant Baker was assigned to Inspector- Instructor Staff, Battery F 2nd Bn 14th Marines as the Inspector-Instructor First Sergeant.
1 December 2009, First Sergeant Baker was promoted to his current rank of Sergeant Major. He was assigned to Recruiting Station Cleveland as the RS Sergeant Major. On 03 January 2013 Sergeant Major Baker reported to VMFA 251 “Thunder Bolts” as the Squadron Sergeant Major.
Sergeant Major Baker’s personnel decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Marine Commendation Medal with the combat distinguishing devise, Navy Marine Corps Achievement medal and Combat Action Ribbon with gold star.