Sergeant Major Jerry Tolbert enlisted in the Marine Corps in Baltimore, Maryland. In December 2002 he reported to recruit training in training at Parris Island, South Carolina and subsequently graduated in March 2003.  Upon graduation, Private Tolbert attended Marine Combat training at Camp Geiger, North Carolina. Private Tolbert was transferred to Camp Johnson, NC where he attained the MOS of 3043/Ground Supply Administration Clerk.
 
In May 2003, Private Tolbert reported for duty with MWSS-271.  In January 2005 Lance Corporal Tolbert deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with MWSS-271. He was promoted to Corporal in July and returned from deployment in September of 2005. Sergeant Tolbert was promoted meritoriously in August 2006.
In December 2006, Sergeant Tolbert reported for duty at Chemical Biological Incident Response Force. Sergeant Tolbert completed live nerve agent training during the unit's yearly field exercises located at DRDC in Canada. Sergeant Tolbert also participated in numerous political events to include, the 2007 Republican National Convention, and the 2008 presidential inauguration ceremony, and the 2008 and 2009 Presidential State of the Union addresses where he was staged as a first responder in the case of an incident.  
 
In November 2009, Sergeant Tolbert reported to Combat Logistics Regiment-15. In June 2010 Sergeant Tolbert was transferred to 1st Supply Bn (Fwd) to serve as the Supply Chief during the OEF 10.2 deployment.  Sergeant Tolbert's deployment was cut short due to an injury and he returned to CLR-15 in December 2010 where he was promoted to Staff Sergeant.
 
In August 2011 Staff Sergeant Tolbert was transferred to 1st Tank Battalion in support of the NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan.  During the deployment Staff Sergeant Tolbert served as a Logistics Advisor to the Maintenance Company Commander of the Regional Logistics Support Center (South-West), Afghanistan National Army.  In June 2012 Staff Sergeant Tolbert returned from deployment and was subsequently transferred back to CLR-15.
 
In December 2012, Staff Sergeant Tolbert reported for Duty as the Inspector Instructor Supply Chief for Beach and Terminal Operations Company B, 4th Landing Support Battalion. During his tour he served as the Communications Chief, Armory Chief, Uniformed Victim Advocate, Substance Abuse Control Officer, Operations Chief, Logistics Chief and the Toys for Tots Coordinator for the United States Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.  In 2016 he was recognized as the National Toys for Tots Coordinator of the year.
 
Gunnery Sergeant Tolbert reported to Marine Corps Recruiter School in February 2016 and was assigned to RSS Fort Lauderdale, RS Fort Lauderdale as a canvassing recruiter and Assistant Station Commander.  In February 2018 Gunnery Sergeant Tolbert was assigned as the Station Commander for RSS Margate, RS Fort Lauderdale.
 
In July 2019 First Sergeant Tolbert reported for duty at Chemical Biological Incident Response Force as the Company B First Sergeant.  In December 2020 First Sergeant Tolbert graduated from the Air Force Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Academy as a Distinguished Graduate. In March 2022, First Sergeant Tolbert reported to assume the role of Headquarters & Service Company First Sergeant for 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment located in Camp Pendleton, CA.
 
In January 2023, Sergeant Major Tolbert reported to his current unit to assume the role Recruiting Station Sergeant Major for Recruiting Station Orange, 12th Marine Corps Districted located in Santa Ana, CA.
 
Sergeant Major Tolbert's personal decorations include: the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with three gold stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with three gold stars and various other Service and Campaign medals.  First Sergeant Tolbert and his wife have no children.