Sergeant Major Gilkey enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 1, 2002 and completed recruit training at MCRD Parris Island, attended Marine Combat Training at Camp Geiger, North Carolina and his military occupational specialty (MOS) school at Pensacola, FL where he received the MOS of 7257, Air Traffic Control Specialist.
Upon completion he received orders for Headquarters Squadron, Iwakuni Japan, in April 2003, where he served as a Tower Controller. In July 2004 Lance Corporal Gilkey, received orders to Marine Corps Air Control Squadron 2 Detachment B where he served as an Air Traffic Controller. During this time he attended the Mobile Marine Air Traffic Control School, Arabic Language Immersion Course, and received the rank of Corporal.
In December 2005, Corporal Gilkey was deployed to Ar Ramadi, Iraq as the Assistant Mobile Marine Team leader where he supported combined operations. During this time he was attached to the Army 101st division and promoted to the rank of Sergeant on October 1, 2006. Sergeant Gilkey returned to MCAS-2 Det B in February 2007 and continued to serve as an Air Traffic Controller.
In January 2010, Sergeant Gilkey received orders to Meridian, MS and completed Aviation Operations Specialist school and obtained the 7041 MOS. In February 2010, Sergeant Gilkey was sent to Marine Corps Air Station New River and served as the Operations Chief, and he completed the BE-20 Crew Chief syllabus.
In October 2010 Sergeant Gilkey was assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 264 and served as the Operations Chief. In 2010, Sergeant Gilkey was deployed to Camp Bastion Afghanistan. Upon returning from Afghanistan, Sergeant Gilkey was sent to CNATT - New River and served as the Student Control Chief.
On January 1, 2013 Sergeant Gilkey was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant, and received orders to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369, where he served as the Operations Chief and in October 2013 Staff Sergeant Gilkey was deployed to Camp Bastion, Afghanistan again.
Upon returning to Camp Pendleton, Staff Sergeant Gilkey received orders to Combat Instructor School and after completion, received orders to Marine Combat Training (MCT) Battalion. During his tour he served as a Platoon Commander for 22 cycles, and after promotion to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant, was the Platoon Commander for both the legal and medical separation platoons.
In July 2018 Gunnery Sergeant Gilkey checked in to Marine Aircraft Group(MAG) 14 on Cherry Point NC, as the Operations Chief and the Coordinator for the Sports Medicine Injury Prevention Program. In 2019 GySgt Gilkey deployed in support of Baltic Sea Operations where he served as the 6th Fleet Air Cell Chief. Upon return he was transferred to MAG-26 where he served until his promotion to First Sergeant.
In January 2022, First Sergeant Gilkey checked into 1st Battalion 8th Marines where he served as a Company First Sergeant until his promotion to Sergeant Major on 6 June 2024. he currently assigned as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for Recruiting Station Raleigh, NC.
Sergeant Major Gilkey's personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Army Commendations Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with 3 gold stars in lieu of forth award, and Humanitarian Service Medal. He is most proud of marrying his wife Karen and their 3 daughters, Lexi, Ally and Emmy.