First Sergeant Kacie M. Cardenas enlisted in the Marine Corps on 3 January 2005. She attended Recruit Training at MCRD Parris
Island, South Carolina. Following her graduation, she reported to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina for Marine
Combat Training. Upon completion, she reported to the U.S. Army Training Center at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and acquired the
MOS 5811, Military Police Officer.
In July 2005, First Sergeant Cardenas reported to Marine Wing Support Squadron 372, Camp Pendleton, California. In August 2005,
she deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom where she served as a Squad Automatic Weapon gunner for the Explosive
Ordnance Disposal Security Team. After her return from Iraq, she was assigned to the guard force at Marine Corps Air Station Provost
Marshal's Office Camp Pendleton, California as part of the Fleet Assistance Program until March 2007. In August 2007, she deployed
with Marine Wing Support Squadron 372 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and conducted security operations as part of Charlie
Company. In February 2008, First Sergeant Cardenas voluntarily extended her deployment to continue security operations with Alpha
Company, Marine Wing Support Squadron 274.
In October 2009, First Sergeant Cardenas was accepted for lateral move into Explosive Ordnance Disposal, and she reported in January
2010 for On-the-Job Training with Marine Corps Base Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Headquarters and Support Battalion Camp
Pendleton, California.
In June 2010, First Sergeant Cardenas reported to Marine Corps Detachment Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal Eglin Air
Force Base, Florida where she acquired the MOS 2336, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician.
In March 2011, First Sergeant Cardenas received orders to 7th Engineer Support Battalion Camp Pendleton, California and was
assigned to 1st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company as a Team Member. In May 2012, she deployed in support of Operation
Enduring Freedom. In January 2014, she received Temporary Duty Assignment orders to Combat Logistics Battalion 11 and deployed
with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team Leader. In July 2016, she received Temporary Duty
Assignment orders to Combat Logistics Battalion 7 and deployed to Kuwait in support of Special Purpose MAGTF-Crisis
Response-Central Command 17.1 as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team Leader. Upon return from deployment, she assumed duties
as Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company Administrative Chief.
In August 2018, First Sergeant Cardenas received orders to Expeditionary Operations Training Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force
Camp Pendleton, California as the Senior Explosive Ordnance Disposal Advisor.
In October 2020, First Sergeant Cardenas received orders to 8th Engineer Support Battalion Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and was
assigned to 2nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company. In October 2021, she was assigned to Headquarters and Service Company
and served the unit mission by filling the role of Battalion Assistant Security Manager.
In January 2024, First Sergeant Cardenas was selected for her current rank and executed orders to 2d Maintenance Battalion Camp
Lejeune, North Carolina where she served as the Electronics Maintenance Company and Tactical Maintenance Company 1st Sergeant.
In February 2025, First Sergeant Cardenas reported to Combat Logistics Company - 21 Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North
Carolina where she currently serves as the Company 1st Sergeant.
First Sergeant Cardenas has an Associate of Arts Degree in General Studies from Central Texas College. Her personal decorations
include a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with 1 gold star in lieu of 2nd award.