Sergeant Major Gwaltney is a native of Chicago, Illinois. In November 1996, Sergeant Major Gwaltney reported to Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California. Upon graduation, he reported to the School of Infantry at Camp Pendleton, California, where he attended the Light Armored Vehicle Crewman Course (MOS 0313).
In May 1997, Private First Class Gwaltney received orders to 3d Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Twentynine Palms, California.
While assigned to 3d Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, he filled positions of Mortarman, Driver, Gunner, and Vehicle Commander. In 2002 he attended the Army Bradley Fighting Vehicle Master Gunner Course and was assigned the billet of Company Master Gunner. In January 2003, Sergeant Gwaltney deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Enduring Freedom/Iraq Freedom. Upon the completion of the deployment, Sergeant Gwaltney was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant.
In December 2003, Staff Sergeant Gwaltney was ordered to Recruiter School board MCRD San Diego, California and upon graduation, he reported to Recruiting Station Milwaukee, Wisconsin. While assigned as a Canvassing recruiter and NCOIC for Recruiting Substation Janesville, Wisconsin, Staff Sergeant Gwaltney was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant.
In January 2007, Gunnery Sergeant Gwaltney received orders to 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Camp Pendleton, California, where he served as a Company Gunnery Sergeant. In March 2007, he deployed ISO Operation Iraqi Freedom 6-8. In February 2010, Gunnery Sergeant Gwaltney was selected to the rank of First Sergeant.
In March 2010, First Sergeant Gwaltney received orders to Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3d Marine Logistics Group, Okinawa, Japan, where he was assigned as the Company First Sergeant for Landing Support Company. In June 2011, he was assigned as the Company First Sergeant for Food Service Company. In June 2012, due to Force Structure Review Group, First Sergeant Gwaltney received orders to 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion, 3d MEF Headquarters Group, Okinawa, Japan, and was assigned to Military Police Company B.
In January 2013, First Sergeant Gwaltney received orders to Inspector Instructor duty, Echo Company, 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Joliet, Illinois. In June of 2014 he earned his associate degree in general studies from Central Texas College.
In April 2015, First Sergeant Gwaltney was promoted to the rank of Sergeant Major and was directed to report to 1st Transportation Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment-1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, Camp Pendleton, California. In June of 2018, he earned his bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Park University.
In June 2018, Sergeant Major Gwaltney was selected to attend the Command and Staff College in Quantico, Virginia, where he subsequently earned his master’s degree in Military Studies. Upon graduation in June 2019, Sergeant Major Gwaltney received orders to Headquarters Battalion, 2D Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
In March 2021, Sergeant Major Gwaltney was slated for the Command Senior Enlisted Leader of 2d Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. In 2023 he was slated to his current assignment of Senior Enlisted Leader, Inspector General of the Marine Corps.
Sergeant Major Gwaltney's personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (2nd Award), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2nd Award), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3rd award).