SgtMaj Ryan Gnecco was born in Tarzana, California. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps July 22, 1996 and graduated recruit training from Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, on October 11 1996. Upon graduation, he attended Marine Combat Training at the School of Infantry (SOI) Camp Pendleton, California, where he attained the MOS of 0341 Mortarman.
After the completion of SOI he was ordered to 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, Weapons Company, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California, as a Mortarman, where he deployed twice in support of OPERATION SOUTHERN WATCH. During this period he was promoted to the rank of Corporal and Sergeant.
In September 2000, Sgt Gnecco was assigned to attend Drill Instructor School at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California. After completion of Drill Instructor school, he was assigned to Fox Co. 2nd RTBN, were he served as a Drill Instructor and Senior Drill Instructor. During this time he was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant.
In December 2003, SSgt Gnecco reported to 2d Battalion 1st Marines where he served as a Section Leader and a Platoon Commander. While assigned to 2/1 he deployed twice in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM 2 and 4-6 as part of the Ground Combat Element.
In April 2006, SSgt Gnecco reported to Officer Candidate School, Quantico, Virginia. During this time he served as a Sergeant Instructor, Platoon Sergeant and the Staff Non Commissioned Officer in Charge of Instruction. He was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant in February 2007.
In June 2009, GySgt Gnecco reported to 3d Battalion 7th Marines, First Marine Division, India Company for duty as a Company Gunnery Sergeant. During this time he was reassigned as a Platoon Commander for the Regimental Jump and deployed with Regimental Combat Team 7 in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM.
In December 2010, GySgt Gnecco was selected to First Sergeant and was assigned to India Company, 3d Battalion 7th Marines in January, 2011. He deployed with 3/7 to Sangin, Afghanistan in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM.
In July 2012, 1stSgt Gnecco reported to the School of Infantry (West), Advanced Infantry Training Battalion, Infantry Unit Leaders Training Company. In September of 2013, he assumed his duties as Company First Sergeant for Reconnaissance Training Company and was selected to rank of Sergeant Major in 2015.
In January 2016, SgtMaj Gnecco was assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 15, and deployed in support of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
In August of 2018, SgtMaj Gnecco was assigned to 3d Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion.
In June of 2020, SgtMaj Gnecco was assigned to 2d Supply Battalion.
In November of 2022 SgtMaj Gnecco was assigned to Marine Corps Installations East.
In June of 2025 SgtMaj Gnecco was assigned to Training and Education Command.
SgtMaj Gnecco's personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal (gold star in lieu of 4th award), Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device (gold star in lieu of 4th award), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon (gold star in lieu of 2nd award).