Sergeant Major Novak reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego California in January 1998, for recruit training. Following
recruit training, Private Novak attended Marine Combat Training Battalion and Assault Amphibian Crewman School at Camp
Pendleton, CA, where he was assigned the MOS of 1833 and promoted to the rank of Private First Class.
In September 1998, Private First Class Novak then reported to Headquarters and Service Company, Mobility / Counter Mobility
Platoon, 2d Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2d Marine Division. In February of 1999, he was promoted to Lance Corporal. In October
of 1999, he was promoted to Corporal and attended Corporals Leadership Course in Camp Lejeune, NC.
In January of 2001, Corporal Novak was promoted to Sergeant and completed Sergeants Course. In February 2002, Sergeant Novak
deployed as an Assistant Section Leader with Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 2/6 as part of the 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU)
in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. In February 2003, Sergeant Novak deployed as Section Leader with 2d Assault
Amphibian Battalion, Regimental Combat Team One as the Obstacle Clearing Detachment in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.
In January 2004, Sergeant Novak reported to Drill Instructor School at Parris Island, SC. Upon completion, Sergeant Novak became a
Marine Combat Instructor of Water Survival as part of Company C, 1st Recruit Training Battalion. Sergeant Novak was promoted to
Staff Sergeant in October of 2004. While on Parris Island, Staff Sergeant Novak was assigned as the Escort and Visits Staff
Non-Commissioned officer in the Recruit Training Regiment. While on quota, Staff Sergeant Novak attended the Career Course at
Camp Geiger, NC. In March of 2007, Staff Sergeant Novak completed a successful tour on the drill field.
Staff Sergeant Novak was then transferred back to 1st Platoon, Company C, 2d Assault Amphibian Battalion as a Section Leader. In
February of 2008, Staff Sergeant deployed with BLT 1/6 and the 24th MEU in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM as a
Section Leader for the Route Clearance Detachment in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
In August 2009, Staff Sergeant Novak was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant. In August of 2010, he deployed with BLT 3/8 and the 26th
MEU to Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. After returning from deployment, Gunnery Sergeant Novak
was assigned as the Platoon Sergeant for 1st Platoon. He was also serving as the acting Unit Senior Enlisted Leader for Company C, 2d
Assault Amphibian Battalion. During this time Gunnery Sergeant Novak attended and graduated from Advanced Course at Camp
Geiger, NC.
In May of 2012, Gunnery Sergeant Novak was deployed to the United Arab Emirates as an individual augment to serve as
an advisor to the Presidential Guard Institute Recruit Wing. He served there as both Lead Instructor and Staff Non-Commissioned
Officer in Charge. Upon receipt of orders and selection to First Sergeant, he returned to 2d Assault Amphibious Battalion.
In June 2013, First Sergeant Novak was assigned as the Unit Senior Enlisted Leader for Company G, Marine Combat Training
Battalion were he completed 19 training cycles. In June of 2016, First Sergeant Novak was assigned as the Unit Senior Enlisted Leader
for Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines where he deployed with the 15th MEU.
In April 2018, Sergeant Major Novak was promoted to his current rank and assumed duties as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for
Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, AZ. In September of 2021 Sergeant Major Novak was
assigned as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for Combat Logistics Regiment 37 and Camp Kinser on Okinawa, Japan. In July of
2023 Sergeant Major Novak was selected and assigned as the Director of the Staff Non-Commissioned Officer Academy on Okinawa,
Japan. In July of 2024 Sergeant Major Novak was assigned to his current position as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for
Headquarters & Headquarters Squadron at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, AZ.
Sergeant Major Novak's personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (2nd award), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation
Medal (5th award) w/Combat Distinguishing Device, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2nd award) w/Combat
Distinguishing Device, Combat Action Ribbon (2nd award), and the Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.