James E. Monroe is a native of Brewton, AL, and enlisted into the United States Marine Corps in May 1990, attending recruit training at 3d Recruit Training Battalion Parris Island, South Carolina. Upon completion of recruit training in August 1990, he was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Private First Class and transferred to Fox Company, Marine Combat Training Battalion, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. In September 1990, he was transferred to Camp Johnson for Personnel Administration School. Upon completion of PA School in November 1990, he was transferred to VMA (AW)-332 Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina where he served as a Service Records Book Clerk.

In June 1992, Lance Corporal Monroe was transferred to VMFA (AW)-332 Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, serving as Service Records Book Clerk. In June 1994, Corporal Monroe was transferred to Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Georgia serving as the Service Records Book Chief. In August 1995, he was promoted to Sergeant and attended the Sergeant’s Course at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

In October 1996, Sergeant Monroe was transferred to Drill Instructor School, Parris Island, South Carolina and upon graduation was assigned to 3d Recruit Training Battalion serving as a Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor and Operations Chief. In March 1998, he was promoted to Staff Sergeant and attended the Staff Non-commissioned Officers Academy in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Staff Sergeant Monroe returned to Parris Island until October 1999 when he attended Personnel Administration Chief Course at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

In January 2000, Staff Sergeant Monroe was transferred to Inspector Instructor Staff 3d Force Reconnaissance Company Mobile, AL serving as Administrative Chief. In March 2003, Staff Sergeant Monroe was transferred to Headquarters and Support Battalion, 3d Marine Division, Okinawa, Japan serving as the Administrative Chief and Detail Inspector for the Division Inspectors Office. In October 2003, Gunnery Sergeant Monroe attended the Advance Course at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan.

In March 2004, Gunnery Sergeant Monroe was transferred to Headquarters and Support Battalion Quantico, Virginia where he served as the Staff Non-commissioned Officer in Charge of the Board Support Section MMSB-20. In May 2005, Gunnery Sergeant Monroe was ordered to Officer Candidate School where he served as Platoon Sergeant for 4th Platoon, Charlie Company. In June 2007, Gunnery Sergeant Monroe was frocked to First Sergeant and attended the First Sergeant Seminar at Quantico, Virginia.

In July 2007, First Sergeant Monroe reported to 1st Maintenance Battalion, Camp Pendleton, California and was assigned as the Company First Sergeant for Reparable Management Company until October 2007. In October 2007, First Sergeant Monroe attended the First Sergeant/Master Sergeant Seminar at Camp Pendleton, California. Upon completion he was assigned as the Company First Sergeant for Maintenance Company 1st Supply Battalion (-) REIN and deployed ISO Operation Iraqi Freedom 8-1. In July 2009, First Sergeant Monroe was reassigned to Motor Transport Maintenance Company. In October 2009, First Sergeant Monroe was reassigned as the Company First Sergeant for Maintenance Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 15 (Forward) ISO Operation Enduring Freedom 10-1.

In December 2010, First Sergeant Monroe was transferred to Golf Company, Marine Combat Training Battalion, School of Infantry, Camp Pendleton, California. In April 2011, First Sergeant Monroe attended the Sea Enlisted Academy in Providence, Rhode Island. In February 2012, First Sergeant Monroe was reassigned to Student Administration Company, School of Infantry West. In December 2012, he was frocked to the rank of Sergeant Major and transferred to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. In January 2013, Sergeant Major Monroe attended the Sergeant Major Course at Quantico, Virginia. In November 2013 he deployed ISO the 31st MEU. In July 2015, Sergeant Major Monroe was transferred to 3d Intelligence Battalion, Okinawa, Japan.  In May 2017, Sergeant Major Monroe assumed his current duties as the Headquarters Regiment, 3d Marine Logistics Group and Camp Kinser Sergeant Major.   
    
Sergeant Major Monroe personal awards include Meritorious Service Medal w/gold star in lieu of second award, Navy Commendation Medal w/two gold stars in lieu of third award, Navy Achievement Medal w/two gold stars in lieu of third award and Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.