MSG Marcelo Rubalcava
Senior Military Science Instructor
Master Sergeant Marcelo Rubalcava, a native of Garden Grove, California joined the U.S Army in July 2001 and attended Basic Training in Fort Benning, Georgia. He then attended Advance Individual Training in Fort Sill, Oklahoma as a 13B, Cannon Crew Member.
MSG Rubalcava has held every position in a Field Artillery cannon section ranging from Number 1 Cannoneer to Howitzer Chief of Section and has operated and fired multiple artillery pieces such as the M198, M119, M109 and M777 Howitzer. From 2001 to 2007, MSG Rubalcava was assigned to 3rd BN, 321st FAR, Fort Bragg, NC where he deployed once in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and once in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In May 2007, MSG Rubalcava was assigned to 1st BN, 6th FA in Fort Hood, TX where he once again answered the call of duty and deployed to the Kunar providence, Afghanistan as a Chief of Section for an M119 Howitzer crew. In December, 2009 MSG Rubalcava was assigned to 2nd BN, 82nd FA and later on re-assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division where, from 2011-2012 he deployed back to Afghanistan and served as a mentor and advisor for the Afghan National Army. From 2013-2016, MSG Rubalcava was assigned to 2nd BN, 11th FAR in Schofield Barracks, HI where he served as Gunnery Sergeant and Platoon Sergeant for an M777 Howitzer BN. In 2016 he was assigned to 1st BN, 30th FA where he served as Platoon Sergeant, Battalion Master Gunner and Operations NCOIC. In 2018 he was re-assigned to C Btry, 1st BN, 78th FA and become the 1SG for the 13B AIT School House. In January, 2021 MSG Rubalcava became the 1SG for HHB, 428th FA BDE. Upon his time as a 1SG, MSG Rubalcava served as an Observer, Coach, and Trainer (OC/T) at the National Training Center (NTC) in Fort Irwin, CA. In 2024 he was assigned to Weber State University, ROTC as the Senior Military Science Instructor.
MSG Rubalcava’s military education includes Warrior Leader Course, Advance Leader Course, Senior Leader Course, Air Assault School, Ranger School, Field Artillery Master Gunner’s Course, Master Fitness Course, Commanders/1SG Course and Master Leader Course.
MSG Rubalcava’s awards and decorations includes the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medeal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster) Army Commendation Medal (3 Oak Leaf Clusters), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (4 Oak Leaf Clusters), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (5 Bronze Loops), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (3 bronze campaign stars), Iraq Campaign Medal (2 bronze campaign stars), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (numeral 3), Overseas Ribbon (numeral 3), Driver’s Badge (Wheel), Meritorious Unit Commendation (2 Oak Leaf Clusters), and Army Superior Unit Award. SFC Rubalcava is also a recipient of The Honorable Order of Saint Barbara and Norwegian Foot March Badge.
MSG Rubalcava is married to MSG(R) Cassi Rubalcava and have two children, Dean (15) and Leah (10)