Master Gunnery Sergeant Randy G. Thompson was born in Dallas, Texas. He reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) Parris Island, South Carolina in June 2004 for recruit training. He subsequently completed School of Infantry at Camp Geiger, North Carolina and Marine Corps Security Forces School at Chesapeake, Virginia. He has attended all required resident and distance learning Professional Military Education (PME) courses, Naval War College-Basic and Primary PME, Naval War College-Basic Officer PME, Senior Enlisted Joint PME I and II, and is pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Childhood Development and Family Studies.
Master Gunnery Sergeant Thompson has served in the Fleet Marine Forces in the following units: 1st Battalion, 8th Marines (October 2006-May 2008); 1st Battalion, 9th Marines (May 2009 - January 2011); 2d Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion (June 2014-January 2018); 1st Battalion 2d Marines (January 2018 - October 2019); 6th Marine Regiment; (May 2021-October 2022); 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (December 2025-April 2026). He currently serves with 1st Battalion, 6th Marines.
He has also served in the Support Establishment with Weapons Training Battalion-Stone Bay (June 2008-May 2009); School of Infantry-East (January 2011-June 2014), II Expeditionary Operations Training Group (October 2019-May2021).
Master Gunnery Sergeant Thompson's Operational History includes: Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation - JTF Lebanon, 3rd FAST (2006), Operation Iraqi Freedom - 1st Battalion, 8th Marines (2006 & 2007); Support of Operation Enduring Freedom - 1st Battalion 9th Marines (2010); and Operation Inherent Resolve - BLT 1/6, 2d LAR.
He was promoted to his current rank in March 2026.
Master Gunnery Sergeant Thompson assumed his current duties as the Operations Chief for 1st Battalion, 6th Marines in April 2026.